Crackdown against illegal storage of acid

In a crackdown against illegal storage of acid, Delhi government today inspected 77 premises involved in stocking acid for business.
Giving details, Gyanesh Bharti, secretary of Revenue department, said that during the inspection, the officers identified violations at 13 premises.
"In nine cases, a penalty of over Rs 1.61 lakh were imposed," Bharti said.
The official said that these inspections have been made in compliance with the directions issued by Supreme Court of India.
According to the government, as per the apex court's order, no seller will be allowed to stock or sell acid without license.
"Buyers will be sold the chemical only after they show their government issued photo identity proof, and purpose of purchase. The seller will be obliged to record the sale details and submit them with the local police within three days along with disclosing all stocks to the local sub-divisional magistrate within 15 days," he added.

He said that failing to do so could lead to a fine of Rs 50,000.
"No acid will be sold to anyone below 18 years of age. Also, only non-harmful form of acid will be available over the counter," the official added.