(a) whether the ammonium nitrate having explosive characteristics is easily available in the market;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to amend the
Explosive Act, 1984 to regulate the use of ammonium nitrate and if so,
the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to regulate
manufacture, storage, transport and sale of explosive items
including ammonium nitrate in the country to avoid misuse of such
chemical substances by terror groups?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a): At present there is no regulation or control over the
availability or use of Ammonium Nitrate in India.
(b): In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 17 of the
Explosives Act, 1884 (IV of 1884), Ammonium Nitrate has been brought
within the purview of Explosives Act, 1884 through a Notification
of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in the Gazette of India
vide S.O. No.1678(E) dated 21st July, 2011.
(c): Draft Ammonium Nitrate Rules to regulate the use of Ammonium
Nitrate for bonafide purpose by incorporating provisions relating to
its safe transport, storage, sale, use, import/export etc. are under
process of formulation.