Bhopal Gas Tragedy — Prelims Strategy
Prelims Strategy
For Prelims, focus on factual accuracy and key legislative details. Memorize the exact gas (Methyl Isocyanate), the year (1984), and the company (Union Carbide). Crucially, identify the major acts enacted post-Bhopal: Environment Protection Act, 1986 , Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, and the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985.
Understand the core principle of 'absolute liability' and its origin in the M.C. Mehta case. Be aware of the official death toll and the approximate number of injured, but also note that figures are contested.
Pay attention to the sequence of events and the specific safety failures. Questions often test direct recall or the chronological order of legislative responses. Create flashcards for key dates, acts, and their primary provisions.
Practice MCQs that differentiate between various environmental laws and disaster types. Understand the connection between Bhopal and the establishment of the National Green Tribunal jurisdiction as a specialized environmental court.