Which of the following factors contributed to the high death toll in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy? 1. Deliberate ignoring of essential safety measures to cut costs. 2. Malfunctioning of safety devices. 3. Location of the plant in a populated locality.

The correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3. Explanation The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (December 1984) was one of the world's worst industrial disasters, caused by the leak of highly toxic Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. The magnitude of the disaster was amplified by a combination of corporate negligence, technical failures, and urban planning issues. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Investigations established that the company deliberately ignored essential safety measures to reduce operational costs. This included reducing the workforce, inadequate training for staff, and cutting corners on maintenance protocols. - Statement 2 is Correct: Multiple safety systems designed to prevent such a leak were either malfunctioning or turned off. The refrigeration unit (meant to keep MIC cool) was shut down to save power, the gas scrubber (designed to neutralize leaking gas) was non-functional, and the flare tower (intended to burn off escaping gas) was under maintenance. - Statement 3 is Correct: The plant was located in close proximity to a densely populated area. Many slums and shantytowns had developed around the factory. Since the leak occurred at night, the high population density in the immediate vicinity resulted in a catastrophic death toll as residents were caught unaware in their sleep. Key Takeaway: The high casualty count in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy was a cumulative result of cost-cutting on safety protocols, the failure of technical safety mechanisms, and the hazardous location of the industrial plant near human settlements.

NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

mcqmedium

Which of the following factors contributed to the high death toll in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?

Deliberate ignoring of essential safety measures to cut costs.
Malfunctioning of safety devices.
Location of the plant in a populated locality.

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (December 1984) was one of the world's worst industrial disasters, caused by the leak of highly toxic Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. The magnitude of the disaster was amplified by a combination of corporate negligence, technical failures, and urban planning issues.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Investigations established that the company deliberately ignored essential safety measures to reduce operational costs. This included reducing the workforce, inadequate training for staff, and cutting corners on maintenance protocols.
Statement 2 is Correct: Multiple safety systems designed to prevent such a leak were either malfunctioning or turned off. The refrigeration unit (meant to keep MIC cool) was shut down to save power, the gas scrubber (designed to neutralize leaking gas) was non-functional, and the flare tower (intended to burn off escaping gas) was under maintenance.
Statement 3 is Correct: The plant was located in close proximity to a densely populated area. Many slums and shantytowns had developed around the factory. Since the leak occurred at night, the high population density in the immediate vicinity resulted in a catastrophic death toll as residents were caught unaware in their sleep.

Key Takeaway:

The high casualty count in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy was a cumulative result of cost-cutting on safety protocols, the failure of technical safety mechanisms, and the hazardous location of the industrial plant near human settlements.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of markets and economic interactions: 1. Laws are enacted solely to protect the profit margins of producers without regard for consumers. 2. State intervention is often required in markets to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable groups. 3. The chain of markets linking producers to buyers involves buying and selling at every step. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the concept of 'Minimum Wages' in India, consider the following 1. The primary objective of the minimum wage law is to ensure that workers are not underpaid by their employers. 2. Once set, the minimum wages remain fixed for a period of ten years to ensure stability. 3. This law is intended to protect the interests of various types of workers, including farm labourers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the context of the Indian textile industry, 'Power Looms' are best described as:

medium

With reference to the role of Workers' Unions, consider the following statements: 1. They allow workers to use combined power to demand better working conditions. 2. They are strictly prohibited by law in the informal sector such as domestic work. 3. They facilitate bargaining for fair wages. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the framework of governmental functions, which term refers to ensuring that laws enacted by the legislature are implemented and complied with?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 8 Political Science chapters

The correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Investigations established that the company deliberately ignored essential safety measures to reduce operational costs. This included reducing the workforce, inadequate training for staff, and cutting corners on maintenance protocols.
Statement 2 is Correct: Multiple safety systems designed to prevent such a leak were either malfunctioning or turned off. The refrigeration unit (meant to keep MIC cool) was shut down to save power, the gas scrubber (designed to neutralize leaking gas) was non-functional, and the flare tower (intended to burn off escaping gas) was under maintenance.
Statement 3 is Correct: The plant was located in close proximity to a densely populated area. Many slums and shantytowns had developed around the factory. Since the leak occurred at night, the high population density in the immediate vicinity resulted in a catastrophic death toll as residents were caught unaware in their sleep.

Key Takeaway: