Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of News item published in the local daily “News18 India” dated 06.08.2020 titled “700 Tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate Stored in Chennai Safe, Eauction Done: Customer after Beirut Blast” dated 24/08/2020.

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The issue taken up in the present matter was safe storage and handling of 700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse in Chennai, having potential for serious explosions and damage.

Report filed by the  Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) informed the Tribunal that a total of 37 containers with 697 Tonnes of ammonium nitrate was sent to M/s. Salvo Explosives & Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Ankireddypali village, Keesara road, Keesara mandal, Medchal Malkajgiri, Telangana - which is a detonator manufacturing unit having license for ammonium nitrate.

The NGT directed that off-site and on-site emergency plans be finalized in accordance with the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 (Rules 13 & 14) which must be jointly coordinated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the TNPCB with all concerned authorities and entities for storage and handling of the substances. Such action must be concluded at the earliest, but positively within one month the order said.