Relevance: GS3 – Internal Security; Disaster Management | Source: Indian Express

Context

Following the Red Fort blast (Nov 2025), the Delhi administration directed stricter monitoring of ammonium nitrate purchases, digital tracking of bulk buyers/sellers, and review of licensing norms under the Explosives Act due to potential misuse in IEDs.

What is Ammonium Nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a strong oxidiser, widely used in:

• Fertilisers,
  
• Mining & quarrying,
  
• Industrial blasting operations.
  

It is not an explosive on its own, but becomes highly destructive when mixed with fuels (e.g., ANFO – Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), making it a preferred component in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Why It Is Used in Improvised Explosive Devices

• Easily available in the fertiliser market.
  
• Acts as an oxygen-rich oxidiser, enhancing blast intensity.
  
• Can be transported discreetly and mixed with common fuels.
  
• India regulates it under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012 (storage, transport, licensing).
  

Historic cases of Bombing using IEDs:

• Oklahoma City bombing (1995)
  
• Beirut Explosion (2020)
  

Other Common Chemical Precursors Used in IEDs

Preventing Misuse

• Digital tracking of ammonium nitrate transactions, including online platforms.
  
• Threshold-based verification of repeated or bulk purchases.
  
• Review of licensing norms under Explosives Act, 1884 & Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012.
  
• Centralised chemical-buyer database for hospitals, labs and medical suppliers.
  
• Rigorous security audits of public places and high-risk markets.
  
• CCTV + analytics-based surveillance at vulnerable locations.
  
• Coordination with social media to track radicalisation & procurement networks.
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

With reference to chemical precursors used in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), consider the following statements:

1. Ammonium nitrate becomes explosive only when mixed with a fuel component.
   
2. Its sale, transport and storage in India are regulated under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012.
   
3. Potassium chlorate and hydrogen peroxide are also recognised as potential IED precursors.
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d)