Chennai Is Storing 690 Tons Of The Same Chemical That Caused Lebanon Explosions, Are We In Danger?

After the horrific Lebanon explosions on Tuesday, which killed 137 people and injured at least 5000 more, the chemical storage in Chennai has become a big concern.

On Thursday, customs authorities tried to ease people’s concern over safety as there are 690 tons of NH ₄NO ₃ (ammonium nitrate) being stored at a Chennai-based container freight. This is the same chemical allegedly responsible for the tragic event in Beirut, Lebanon. The amount in the Lebanon explosions was 2750 tons.

The chemical amount, with a total worth of Rs 1.8 crore, was taken from an importer in Tamil Nadu in 2015, who allegedly claimed it was fertilizer grade though it was the explosive grade. However, a customs official said that the amount was safe and would be cleared through an on-going auction, posing no risks.

The statement comes following reports on concerns around the huge amount of chemical being store, even when political party Pattali Makkal Katchi reached out to the government to make sure the substance is safely disposed of.

According to a senior customs officer, in November 2015, 697 tons of ammonium nitrate, stored in 37 containers, was seized.

“The importer had misdeclared the goods as ammonium nitrate of fertiliser grade whereas on examination it was found to be of explosive grade and that (the importer) had not followed the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012.”

The containers have seen stayed at a container freight station in Chennai and the license of the importer was canceled. In 2015, 7 tons were spoilt in the deluge while 690 tones were being auctioned.

>>> Satellite Images Show The Terrifying Aftermath Of Beirut Explosion