Editorial Snapshot: 03-July-2025
Under fire: On Tamil Nadu and the fireworks industry blasts
The passage highlights the recurring and preventable nature of fatal accidents in Tamil Nadu’s fireworks industry, particularly in the Virudhunagar district. Despite regulations and licensing requirements under the Explosives Rules, 2008, frequent explosions continue to claim lives—26 deaths in the first half of 2025 alone, following 52 in 2024 and 79 in 2023. The latest incident in Sattur reportedly stemmed from chemical friction. The region’s extreme heat and unsafe storage of inflammable materials exacerbate the risk. While manufacturer negligence is a key factor, the state’s regulatory failure is equally to blame. The passage calls for stricter enforcement and collaborative efforts with manufacturers to prevent further tragedies, just as cooperation helped reduce child labour in the past. Repeated incidents expose
Away from the edge: On waste disposal from the 1984 Bhopal plant accident
The passage discusses the recent incineration of 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, marking a significant but partial step in addressing the legacy of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. This milestone, achieved after prolonged interventions by the judiciary and government bodies, highlights the long-standing lack of political will, despite available means. The incineration generated over 800 tonnes of residue that now requires scientific landfilling and monitoring. The original plant site still harbors contaminated soil and groundwater. Importantly, the push for progress has primarily come from survivors, families, and activists, not the state. Legal battles continue over compensation and accountability, especially involving The Dow Chemical Company. Surveillance and healthcare for victims remain inadequate. The passage emphasizes that long-term justice and remediation demand a proactive and unified approach from both the State and Central governments, possibly through a dedicated statutory body, to finally allow survivors and their families to find closure.
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