Ammonium Nitrate Explosives – Risks and Regulations in India

Recent incidents have brought into light the dangers of ammonium nitrate explosives in India. Two blasts occurred in November 2025—one at Delhi’s Red Fort and another at Srinagar’s Nowgam police station. The second explosion was accidental during the examination of seized explosives. Both blasts involved ammonium nitrate-based explosives. This chemical’s widespread use in agriculture and industry makes it a preferred choice for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The government faces ongoing challenges to regulate and control its misuse.

Properties and Chemistry of Ammonium Nitrate

Ammonium nitrate is a white crystalline powder used mainly as a nitrogen-rich fertiliser. Chemically, it contains ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) ions. It acts as a powerful oxidiser providing oxygen for combustion. When heated above 300°C, it decomposes to release nitrous oxide (N2O) and water vapour (H2O). At even higher temperatures, it breaks down into nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), and water. Explosive reactions can also produce ammonia (NH3), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The latter causes reddish-brown clouds seen in explosions. Ammonium nitrate remains stable under controlled conditions but becomes highly explosive when mixed with fuel oil or detonators.

Use in Explosives and Terrorism

Ammonium nitrate is widely used in mining and construction due to its shockwave-generating ability. Terrorists exploit its availability and stability to make IEDs. Unlike military-grade explosives such as RDX or SEMTEX, ammonium nitrate is easier to obtain and store. Its agricultural demand in India ensures abundant supply. It can be transported discreetly in ordinary vehicles. This ease of access and handling makes it a preferred material for extremist attacks. The chemical’s dual-use nature complicates efforts to prevent its misuse without affecting legitimate applications.

Regulatory Framework and Challenges

India enacted the Explosives Act and Ammonium Nitrate Rules in 2012 to regulate manufacture, sale, storage, and transport. Key provisions include compulsory licensing, restricted storage locations, fire safety measures, controlled import-export through specific ports, and prohibition of open sales. Ammonium nitrate must be sold in sealed packets only. Despite these laws, enforcement remains difficult. Monitoring large quantities and preventing illegal diversion require constant vigilance. The dual-use dilemma means authorities must balance agricultural needs with security concerns.

Measures for Risk Mitigation

Effective control demands modern technology for tracking and surveillance. Public awareness campaigns can help identify suspicious activities. Administrative coordination among police, customs, and agricultural departments is vital. Strict compliance with storage and transport rules reduces accidental explosions. Scientific research into safer alternatives or additives to reduce explosive potential is ongoing. A comprehensive approach combining regulation, technology, and community involvement is essential to curb ammonium nitrate misuse.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Estimate the challenges posed by dual-use chemicals like ammonium nitrate in national security and agricultural development.
2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of India’s Explosives Act and Ammonium Nitrate Rules in preventing terrorist activities involving explosives.
3. Analyse the role of chemical properties in the selection of materials for improvised explosive devices and suggest preventive measures.
4. Point out the significance of inter-agency coordination and technology in managing the risks associated with hazardous materials like ammonium nitrate.

Answer Hints:

1. Estimate the challenges posed by dual-use chemicals like ammonium nitrate in national security and agricultural development.

1. Ammonium nitrate is essential as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, supporting agricultural productivity.
2. Its oxidizing properties make it a key component in explosives, posing security risks.
3. Dual-use nature complicates regulation—restricting it affects farming, while lax control aids misuse.
4. Easy availability and storage in agricultural settings increase chances of diversion by extremists.
5. Balancing national food security and preventing terrorism requires stringent monitoring and licensing.
6. Need for awareness among stakeholders to detect and report suspicious activities without hampering agriculture.

2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of India’s Explosives Act and Ammonium Nitrate Rules in preventing terrorist activities involving explosives.

1. The Acts mandate licensing, controlled storage, sale in packets, and restricted import-export to curb misuse.
2. They require storage away from crowded areas with fire safety measures to prevent accidents.
3. Despite legal framework, enforcement challenges persist due to large agricultural demand and porous monitoring.
4. Illegal diversion and smuggling still occur, indicating gaps in surveillance and compliance.
5. Periodic updates and stricter penalties could improve deterrence and control.
6. Integration of technology and inter-agency coordination is necessary to enhance effectiveness.

3. Analyse the role of chemical properties in the selection of materials for improvised explosive devices and suggest preventive measures.

1. Ammonium nitrate’s stability under normal conditions and powerful oxidizing ability make it ideal for IEDs.
2. Its availability and ease of transport in ordinary vehicles favor its misuse over military-grade explosives.
3. Explosive reaction triggered by mixing with fuel oil and detonators enables easy improvisation.
4. Preventive measures include regulating sales, monitoring storage, and controlling precursor chemicals.
5. Research into additives that reduce explosive potential can mitigate risks.
6. Public education on recognizing suspicious procurement and storage is vital.

4. Point out the significance of inter-agency coordination and technology in managing the risks associated with hazardous materials like ammonium nitrate.

1. Coordination among police, customs, agriculture, and regulatory bodies ensures comprehensive monitoring.
2. Technology like tracking systems and databases helps trace production, sale, and movement of ammonium nitrate.
3. Surveillance tools enable early detection of illegal stockpiling or suspicious transactions.
4. Information sharing enhances response to threats and prevents diversion for terrorist use.
5. Joint training and awareness programs improve readiness and compliance enforcement.
6. Integration of scientific research supports development of safer handling and storage practices.