Nagpur Detonator Seizure Exposes Critical Loophole in Explosives Tracking System
The recent seizure of 58 detonators along with 15 live cartridges in central Nagpur has starkly highlighted a significant security vulnerability in India's explosives monitoring framework. This incident underscores the absence of an effective mechanism to track the movement of detonators, the devices that trigger blasts, despite existing regulations for explosives.
Barcoding Gap Leaves Detonators Untraceable
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the industry regulator, has implemented a barcoding system to monitor the production and movement of explosives from manufacturer to end-user. However, this system does not extend to detonators due to the sensitive materials used in their construction, which make barcoding risky. This omission has created a dangerous loophole, allowing detonators to be potentially diverted for use by subversive elements without traceability.
In July last year, PESO issued directives to manufacturers to phase out electric detonators in favor of electronic devices, which are easier to track if diverted. A barcode enables authorities to trace explosives back to the manufacturer and the registered buyer through filed returns. If materials are abandoned, as in the Ganeshpeth haul on Tuesday, the barcode can identify the source and intended recipient, helping to match records against any pilferage or overproduction.
Challenges with Non-Electronic Detonators
This level of accountability is not feasible with non-electronic detonators. A senior official involved in the Nagpur cache confirmed that the seized detonators did not appear to have barcodes, emphasizing the tracking gap. PESO has been advocating for the adoption of electronic detonators, which require activation via a logger—a handheld device. Both components must be produced by the same manufacturer, functioning like a lock-and-key system to prevent misuse and diversion.
However, electronic detonators have yet to gain widespread adoption, according to sources within the organization. A PESO letter notes that electronic detonators can incorporate embedded chips to ensure traceability and mandates that all exploder devices have passwords accessible only to authorized users, further enhancing security measures.
This incident in Nagpur serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need to close this regulatory gap and strengthen tracking mechanisms for all explosive components to safeguard public safety.
