- By Shubham Bajpai
- Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The discovery of 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate in Faridabad, just at a distance of an hour from the national capital, has caused a stir and prompted authorities to swing into massive action.
The development is scary and startling, as the chemical may seem small and grain-like, but it is potent enough to cause massive destruction after coming in contact with fuel, petroleum or sugar.
These substances can ignite and cause a massive explosion. The techniques are often used to make inexpensive bombs, known as ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO). These bombs are widely used in construction and mining.
And that is why all investigative agencies, including the police, have been on alert since the discovery of the ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃).
Beirut explosion 2020
The discovery has revived the pictures of devastation in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in 2020, when there was an explosion in a warehouse storing Ammonium Nitrate that left 218 people dead and several thousand injured.
Although the scale of the blast was huge in Beirut as so was the quantity of the chemical. In Beirut, about 2,750
tonnes of NH₄NO₃ were stored in the warehouse.
Even so, NH₄NO₃ acts as an oxidiser, and therefore, the fuel usage is also a key and decisive factor of the scale of devastation.
How dangerous is ammonium nitrate?
The effect of NH₄NO₃ can be gauged from the fact that 350 kilograms of ammonium nitrate can cause a massive explosion up to 50-100 meters.
Its effects can be felt up to 120 meters. Anything within this range can be destroyed completely.
How did the police reach ammonium nitrate ?
A few days ago, Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested terrorist Adil Ahmed from UP's Saharanpur. He was accused of putting up posters in support of the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed in Srinagar.
During Adil's interrogation, the police learned about the ammonium nitrate, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police immediately raided Faridabad and seized the chemical and other items.
What are the rules for selling ammonium nitrate in India?
The sale of ammonium nitrate in India is regulated by the government. In 2012, regulations governing the sale and purchase of ammonium nitrate were established under the Explosives Act of 1884. According to this, ammonium nitrate containing more than 45 per cent of its weight is considered an explosive.
A license is mandatory for the production and supply of ammonium nitrate. Furthermore, regulations have been established for its storage, transportation, and sale. Keeping ammonium nitrate in crowded areas is especially prohibited. The import and export of ammonium nitrate is also strictly monitored.