Ammonia gas leak: Death toll rises to 18
An industrial accident involving an ammonia gas leak has resulted in multiple casualties, highlighting the persistent hazards associated with chemical manufacturing and storage in India. The incident underscores the critical importance of chemical safety regulations, occupational health standards, and industrial disaster management protocols. It draws attention to the regulatory enforcement of safety guidelines laid down by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Read source at The Hindu — National →Mains Practice Question
Despite the existence of comprehensive regulatory frameworks like the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, chemical disasters continue to pose a grave threat in India. Critically analyze the gaps in safety compliance and suggest mitigation strategies in line with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.
250 words
Practice this in the exam hall →Prelims Practice MCQ
With reference to Ammonia (NH3), which is frequently used in industrial applications, consider the following statements: 1. It is a colorless gas that is lighter than air and highly soluble in water. 2. When dissolved in water, it forms an acidic solution. 3. It is primarily utilized in the manufacture of nitrogenous fertilizers. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct: Ammonia is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent smell, lighter than air, and highly soluble in water. Statement 2 is incorrect: Dissolving ammonia in water forms ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), which is a weak base (alkaline solution), not acidic. Statement 3 is correct: Globally, more than 80% of the ammonia produced is used in agriculture as fertilizer (such as urea, ammonium nitrate, etc.).
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