 |
| The Corona crisis in India |
It's the lockdown 3.0 in India, we are in the last week and the ever-increasing number of Corona patients has caused uproar in the country. The rapid rise of Corona victims in cities like Mumbai, Ahmadabad, and Indore is very disturbing. Meanwhile, some tragedies happened in the midst of Corona's havoc are heart wrenching.
From the brutal lynching of saints in Palghar, to the painful gas tragedy of Visakhapatnam, and now the sad and unfortunate death of migrant workers on the railway track in Aurangabad, these incidents are enough to expose the loopholes in our system.
We are already dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic and such cases are not only disheartening, but also worsening the situation.
The lynching of saints in palghar
On 16 April 2020, two sadhus and their driver were brutally lynched by a brainless mob of villagers in Gadchinchale village, Palghar district, Maharashtra. As suggested by some media reports, this episode was fuelled by social media rumours of thieves operating during the lockdown.
Two sadhus Maharaj Kalpvrukshagiri and
Maharaj Sushilgiri were travelling to attend the funeral of their Guru Shri Mahant Ramgiri in Surat, along with their driver Nilesh Telgade.
When they were passing through Gadchinchale, an extremely backward area, they were stopped by a forest department guard at a local checkpoint, and then they were attacked by the mob with sticks and axes, while, they were out and talking to the guard.
Some videos of the horrific incident came out showing the helpless condition of the sadhus, which created nationwide outrage. The normalization of mob outrage and spreading of fake news led to this violent outcome.
The Maharashtra Government is under radar after this incident, it's the duty of the government to provide security to it's each and every citizen.The state government had taken actions and according to the Maharashtra government more than hundred people were arrested.
Another sad part related to the incident is how some news channels started giving a communal angle to it for no good reason.
Let's hope for quick justice for the victims, and protect your family and yourself from the virus of fake news and hatred.
Gas tragedy of Visakhapatnam
On 7 May 2020, the industrial accident of the styrene gas leak from the LG polymers (the South Korean company) plant in the village RR Venkatapuram, of Visakhapatnam district, in Andhra Pradesh started around 3:30 am, when the people were in deep sleep in their homes.
At least 12 people have lost their lives and many have been hospitalized due to this hazardous gas leak. The visuals of people falling unconscious while standing were disturbing enough for any sensitive human being. It has created panic in many areas of Visakhapatnam.
What is Styrene, its uses and effects on health?
 |
| Styrene gas structure |
Styrene also referred as ethenylbenzene, vinylbenzene, and phenylethene is an organic compound. It is a colourless oily liquid although aged samples can appear yellowish. It has a sweet smell and evaporates easily.
This derivative of Benzene is used to manufacture latex, synthetic rubber, plastic packaging, disposable cups etc. It is harmful for humans if inhaled or ingested or if it comes in contact of skin and eyes.
High exposure can cause coma and chest swelling while low and moderate exposure can cause breathing difficulty and respiratory distress, skin irritation, burning sensation and can affect the nervous system.
Actions taken and reasons for the leakage
Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of Rs. 50 crore on the LG polymer, and the South Korean Company has expressed their condolences for the tragedy and also stated that they are trying to find the exact cause of leakage.
The primary reports suggest that the lack of proper care of styrene tanks during the lockdown could be the reason for the leakage.
 |
| Bhopal gas Scandal |
Visakhapatnam gas tragedy is the biggest one since the Bhopal gas leak, which claimed nearly 3800 lives. The Visakhapatnam tragedy brought back the memories of Bhopal gas scandal, whose wounds are still alive.
Who is responsible for the tragedy is it the negligence of the company or some kind of government failure, also the gas may have leaked from the loopholes of our system.
The death of migrant workers
 |
| Indian labourers |
On 8 May 2020, 16 of the 20 migrant labourers were killed in their sleep on a railway around, track near Aurangabad, when they were run over by a goods train.
The migrant workers were walking to reach their homes in Madhya Pradesh; the workers were walking on the railway route instead of the highways to avoid the police beating. These workers slept on the track due to fatigue.
The scene at the tragedy's spot was haematic. Blood stained rotis, clothes of the victims were dispersed around.
Several labourers from all over the country have lost their lives while migrating back to their homes, either by heatstroke, or by heart attack, or in road accident, or by some other reasons. Sometimes, it seems that these migrant workers are on the last of the priority list of governments of states and centre.
Though the announcement of special trains for migrant workers is a good move, but that too came very late, and even when there is news of charging rent from laborers, then it exposes the flaws of system.
Conclusion
Despite the tragedies happening in the midst of this tragedy, we will have to keep ourselves positive, as we are not fighting the pandemic alone, it is also the battle against ignorance, hatred, and some flaws within our system.
In the meantime, help the needy ones in any way you can without violating any law, and STAY SAFE.