Ammunition depots in J-K safe: Army

In the wake of major fire at one of Asia's largest ammunition depot in Maharashtra's Pulgaon, the Army today said its depots across Jammu and Kashmir are "safe".
"The Army is sensitive to the issue of safety measures in ammunition depots located in Jammu and Kashmir. Regular safety audits are undertaken to ensure the safety of these depots," Defense spokesman Col S D Goswami said.
He said that army has been conducting regular security audits of the ammunition depots and the latest one was ordered on June 2.
Col Goswami said that adequate fire fighting equipment and measures are in place in all the ammunition depots across Jammu and Kashmir.

"Modern equipment is being regularly procured to upgrade safety measures. Fire services staff is completely rehearsed in their role," he said.
He said that the Army places the highest priority on safety of civilians living in the vicinity of ammunition depots.

"All measures are being taken to ensure the highest standards of security," he said.
Col Goswami's statement comes days after 19 persons, including two army officers, were killed in a massive fire that broke out at the country's largest ammunition depot that houses the largest stockpile of weapons in the country.
After the incident, questions were being raised on the security of the ammunition depots across Jammu and Kashmir.

"Some reports have emerged raising questions on deficiency of essential fire fighting equipment. These reports are incorrect," he said.
Army has several ammunition depots in the state and many of them are located in the vicinity of densely populated areas.
In August 2007, three persons were killed and over 40 were wounded when one of the biggest ordnance depots in Kashmir had caught fire in the Khundru village of South Kashmir's Anantnag district.