Seeking to prevent pilferage of ammonium nitrate and its misuse by terrorists, the government today tightened the rules for transport of the sensitive chemical.
The government has said only those drivers or cleaners whose antecedents are verified by the local police should be allowed to operate vehicles carrying ammonium nitrate.
Further, the vehicles should be accompanied by atleast two able bodied guards.
"All the existing manufacturers, converters, users, transporters, stevedores, sellers, possessors, importers and exporters shall comply with the provisions...From the 31st day of August, 2014," the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion said in a notification.
According to reports, traces of ammonium nitrate were found at bomb blast sites at several places, including Pune, Hyderabad and Bodh Gaya.
There are also reports of trucks loaded with Ammonium Nitrate going missing.
