POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD INSTRUCTS CUSTOMS TO CLEAR AMMONIUM NITRATE FROM CHENNAI FEARING EXPLOSION - REPORT

After the explosion at Beirut, a gripping fear has engulfed Chennai as 740 tonnes of ammonium nitrate is reportedly stored at the harbour in Chennai. According to reports Manali’s warehouse stores this chemical compound.

Customs officials have raised concerns regarding the same and have also instructed for the explosive materials to be disposed. “We shall be taking steps to dispose it,” said a senior custom’s official. The Tamil Nadu police have also raised caution to the chemicals that are being stored in containers in ports across the state. Ennore, Karaikal, Tutucorin, and other ports have been asked to report if they have storages of explosives.

In Chennai, the concerned minister has said that there are no residential structures within 2km radius from Manali’s storage. Further, the amount of ammonium nitrate storage is to be regulated.

Ammonium nitrate is the chemical which had caused the massive blast in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut, two days ago. The blast injured several thousand people, and killed over 150 people. Houses and other establishments around the warehouse shattered causing massive destruction.