Standard Operating Procedure for Transportation and Storage of Explosives

Context

Nine people were killed and 29 injured in a recent massive explosion at the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir. The explosion was caused by explosives seized during the investigation of the Red Fort blast case. This incident raises serious concerns about how to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for safekeeping and handling of seized explosives.

Protocol for Explosives

• If any suspicious material resembling an explosive or IED (Improvised Explosive Device) is found during any raid, it is mandatory to immediately call the Bomb Detection Team (BDT) and Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) available at the district level.
• The first step is to store the material in a secluded and secure location, away from people.
• There should be no source of electricity or fire at the site. If necessary, the Controller of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) should also be informed.
• No such explosives should be stored in police stations or residential buildings unless the location is specifically approved for this purpose.

Transportation Rules

• Special explosive vans should be used to transport explosives.
• These vans are covered with aluminum sheets and lined with wood to prevent the risk of static electricity.
• Their structure is such that damage is minimized in case of an explosion during transportation.
• Although such vans are not available in all districts, their availability should be ensured in sensitive areas, such as Jammu and Kashmir.

Storage Rules

There are clear guidelines for storing confiscated explosives:

• They must be stored in a secluded, secure location, and away from any ignition source.
• If a suitable location is not available, they can be temporarily stored at a safe distance in places like open stadiums.
• Licensed explosive magazines are the safest option where advanced security systems are available.
• Some chemicals, such as phosphorus, must be stored in water, while sodium ignites in the open air, so these chemicals must be handled immediately by experts.

Vehicle Provisions

• Explosives cannot be transported in ordinary vehicles except special vans.
• Vehicles must be designed so that any spark or electric current cannot cause an explosion.
• These vans are regularly used in military and industrial sectors, but their number needs to be increased in police forces.

Relevant Laws

Key laws and regulations governing the storage, transportation, and destruction of explosives in India:

1. Explosives Act, 1884
2. Explosives Rules, 2008
3. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) guidelines
4. Judicial permission: Permission from a judicial magistrate is required before destroying seized explosives.
5. It is mandatory to register an FIR after every seizure and maintain a chain of custody.

Challenges

• Lack of specialized vans in many districts
• Forced to store explosives in an unsafe manner in police stations
• Low awareness of SOPs
• Lack of experts to handle sensitive chemicals
• Seizure of large quantities of explosives due to increasing terrorist incidents
• Delays in chain of custody and documentation processes

Way Forward

• Ensuring the availability of explosive vans in every district
• Increasing the capacity of BDS and BDT teams
• Providing specialized training to officers in all police stations on explosive material identification and SOPs
• Strengthening the immediate neutralization process for sensitive chemicals
• Increasing the number and security of explosive magazines
• Establishing strict monitoring and accountability to ensure SOP compliance