National Pollution Control Day is observed on December 2nd every year in India. The day is dedicated to creating awareness about the importance of controlling and preventing pollution. It commemorates the tragic incident of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy that occurred on December 2-3, 1984, at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy is considered one of the world's worst industrial disasters, resulting in the release of a toxic gas called methyl isocyanate (MIC). Thousands of people lost their lives, and many suffered severe health problems due to exposure to the poisonous gas.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, there was a heightened awareness of the need for effective pollution control measures and industrial safety standards. National Pollution Control Day serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing and enforcing measures to control pollution and prevent such disasters in the future.
On this day, various activities, seminars, workshops, and events are organized across the country to educate people about the adverse effects of pollution on the environment and human health. The goal is to encourage individuals, industries, and government bodies to take proactive steps towards pollution control and environmental conservation.