To keep a check on the rampant use of ammonium nitrate by terror groups to strike various parts of the country, the Union home ministry had a detailed discussion
NEW DELHI: To keep a check on the rampant use of ammonium nitrate by terror groups to strike various parts of the country, the Union home ministry on Tuesday had a detailed discussion on certain amendments in the Explosives Substances Act.
The objective behind carrying out changes in the Act is to regulate the use of the material often used in bombs by bringing ammonium nitrate under the purview of the existing law, a senior official said. Tuesday’s meeting of a working group formed in the wake of recent serial blasts in the capital was chaired by home secretary Madhukar Gupta.
The group was mandated to frame elaborate rules under the Act to strengthen the framework for regulating manufacture, storage, transport and sale of explosives.
The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen administration and vigilance at the state-level and the need to increase awareness among enforcement agencies in the states. In this connection, a workshop of state police chiefs will be held soon.
The “in-principle” approval for the amendment of the Act has already been given by the Union cabinet at its special meeting in the aftermath of the Delhi blasts.
Security agencies have long been pressing for bringing a strong controlling regime to check misuse of the chemical especially in Naxal-affected states.
An official release said the meeting was attended by the revenue secretary and officers of the ministries of industry and defence, Intelligence Bureau and the Petroleum and Explosives Substances Organisation.
The meeting discussed recommendations of the sub-group which had been set up at the level of joint secretaries of the concerned ministries to examine the existing legal and administrative framework, it said. Home ministry sources said some suggestions have already been given to states to check use and trading of ammonium nitrate.
They said a strong controlling regime was needed to monitor the misuse of the chemical and ensure that offenders were booked under the Act. The ministry feels it is the responsibility of the state transport, police and revenue authorities to ensure that it does not land into wrong hands.
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