The devastating explosion on 4^th August 2020 at Beirut port killed many and injured 1000s, 100s of thousands were made homeless too.

The shockwave of Beirut explosion has sent a wake-up call across the globe to some who were otherwise sitting over ammonium nitrate stockpiles.

News reports says 697 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in 37 containers imported in 2015 from South Korea is still dwelling at a container freight station in Chennai, India.

Reason said for the seizure and prolonged storage

Misdeclared as fertilizer grade, authorities found it is explosive grade!

Good reason to keep it for 5 years?

E-auction of 690 tonnes of ammonium nitrate under process by Chennai Customs.The chemical compound is stored at a freight station in Manali, Chennai & was part of a 697-tonne consignment seized in November 2015. The remaining was washed away during December 2015 floods: Officials pic.twitter.com/EuD8ffbLuT

— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2020

https://t.co/X0e696CE6g Needs attention on TOP Priority after Beirut, Lebanon tragedy ! @cbic_india @nsitharaman @FinMinIndia if the news is correct !!

— Umesh Human (@UmeshHuman) August 6, 2020

Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, responsible for administering Indirect Taxes in India Ministry of Finance, Government of India, “has urgently directed Customs and field formations to immediately confirm and verify within 48 hours that any hazardous and explosive material lying in warehouses and ports across the country meets all safety and fire standards and presents no danger to life and property,”

Customs said e-auction process is completed and cargo will be removed at the earliest.

This reminds me of 2010 Chlorine leak in Mumbai port which resulted in hospitalization of many people. Leakage occurred from chorine tonners (tubes) lying in the port area for many years under rain and shine.

Ports and Terminals must remember Dangerous Goods regulations for transport does not consider safety for prolonged storage of the goods.