The Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal primarily manufactured pesticides, with Sevin (Carbaryl) being one of its main products. Carbaryl is an insecticide and the active ingredient in Sevin.
The tragedy occurred when a large storage tank containing methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic chemical used in the production of Sevin, experienced a catastrophic failure. The release of MIC into the atmosphere led to the deadly gas leak, exposing the surrounding population to its toxic effects.
The storage of a substantial quantity of MIC at the plant, along with inadequate safety measures and maintenance practices, contributed to the severity of the incident. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper industrial safety practices and the handling of hazardous materials to prevent such disasters from occurring.