After a massive explosion in Lebanon’s capital Beirut , serious concerns have been surfacing over 740 tonnes of the explosive chemical that has remained in storage for years on the outskirts of Chennai, under the custody of the Customs Department.
A large consignment of chemical used for fireworks and fertilizers was seized as it was being illegally shipped by a Karur-based firm. It is reported that 740 tonnes of ammonium nitrate is stored there. The officials said the facility was located 20 km from the city and there was no residential locality within its 2-km radius. Upon inquiry about delay and storage of such explosive materials , The customs official said removing the consignment involved elaborate process. “We will auction these chemicals soon to someone who has the licence to buy them.” Also added saying that the matter went to court, which gave its ruling in November last year and that they are in the advanced stages of an e-auction. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has directed via Twitter that field offices are to verify within 48 hours that all explosive materials lying in Customs warehouses and ports meet safety and fire standards and pose no danger to people’s lives.
2,750 tonnes of ammonium was present in Beirut port where as In India only 740 is present . The number is relatively low but it poses a great threat to India. The cause of Beirut explosion is still not known and India must remain cautious.
