Centre to tighten rules to counter explosives abuse

NEW DELHI: Alarmed by the spate of bomb blasts during recent times, the government has decided to tighten rules governing production, import, storage and use of explosives. The move would have a significant bearing on mines and companies manufacturing explosives or even chemicals like ammonium nitrate.

The home ministry and the security agencies would have a greater say in issue of licences for production and use of explosives. This development comes close on the heels of national security advisor MK Narayanan’s warning about the increasing need to be vigilant against terrorist attacks.

Mines could face the heat since managers of mining companies would be held responsible for explosives missing from their stock. In effect, it will become the responsibility of mining companies to prevent pilferage of explosives. Moreover, a person convicted under the Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act or Arms Act would be permanently banned from obtaining a licence or permit for manufacture, stocking, sale, import or use of licences.

Among the proposals under consideration is delinking licensing of possession of explosives with their sale and use. At present, possession and sale of explosives is allowed under form 21 while possession and use of explosives is licensed under form 22. The proposed change would mean a company licensed to sell explosives would not be allowed to use explosives. In other words, a user like a mine would not be allowed to stock explosives for sale.

Therefore, ‘leakage’ of explosives from mines into the hands of undesirable elements would be checked. Similarly, a company stocking explosives for sale would not be in a position to account for ‘use’ of explosives. The records have to show the buyer for the quantum of explosives leaving the premises of the company licensed to sell explosives.

All companies and persons involved in handling explosives would be required to keep updated records. Local authorities are authorised, under the rules issued in 1983, to inspect the premises of such companies and individuals to prevent pilferage.

A high-level group headed by the home secretary has been formed to tighten rules related to manufacture, supply and use explosives, a government official said. Secretaries in the defence ministry as well as the revenue and industrial policy & promotion (RIPP) departments would be members of the committee. The director of Intelligence Bureau, a representative of the Cabinet Secretariat, the Chief Controller of Explosives and chairman of the Ordinance Factory Board would also be part of the panel.

The committee has been asked to revamp the licensing system for manufacture, import, supply, movement and use of explosive materials, the official said. Tracking the movement and end-use of explosives to prevent misuse is the primary objective of this rejig.

While ammonium nitrate is not an explosive, there have been reports that this chemical is being used to make crude bombs. Therefore, the government plans to shift licensing of manufacture, transport, storage and use of ammonium nitrate to the Arms Act. This will put the chemical on par with sulphur, potassium nitrate, chlorates and perchlorates.