Current Affairs

Issue

A major controversy erupted in Maharashtra when gelatin sticks were discovered in a vehicle parked outside Antilla.

 

Details

Gelatin is one of the cheapest explosive materials used by industries for mining and construction work. They have to be used with a detonator.

 

Control of gelatin

• The manufacture is controlled by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). Only licensed manufacturers can make gelatin sticks. 

• PESO has been the agency for controlling safety of hazardous substances such as explosives, compressed gas and petroleum. These substances also include gelatin sticks.

• The PESO works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and functions under the control of the Explosive Act 1884 and Explosives Rules 2008 etc.

 

Tracking gelatin

• Every box containing gelatin sticks are bar coded and there is full information about its sale until the final point.

• However, individual gelatin sticks are not bar coded. The government recently announced rules for bar coding individual sticks.

• Licensed companies who buy gelatin in bulk may not completely use all the gelatin sticks they buy, and may sell it later in the black market.

• In black market, customers such as small time contractors and private individuals may buy gelatin to dig wells or construction work.

• Police are required to identify all explosive materials bought in the city used in construction work and ensure it is accounted for.

• The buyer and the seller should maintain records of the explosives and government authorities need to check them regularly.