Learn a lesson from fire, Cong. tells Govt.

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY 2. The Congress(I) has expressed serious concern today over the fire in the Bharatpur ammunition depot. Reacting to the Government's announcement of an inquiry committee, Mr. Madhavrao Scindia, the party's deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, called for a time-bound action plan to pinpoint responsibility and suggest solutions.

At a media briefing, Mr. Scindia said the issue was of national security and defence-preparedness. The fire was a big eye-opener and the Government must learn a lesson in view of the ``dangerous international situation''.

Modernisation of ammunition depots was long overdue, according to a parliamentary panel that had studied the matter. Relocation was also necessary as the depots, earlier located far away from civilian areas, were now almost inside them, he said.

Mr. Scindia sought immediate action to locate and disarm rogue ammunition; the inquiry committee should verify reports that the elephant grass had not been cut for two years; and probe in depth whether there was a link between the fire and the large number of people arrested in Jodhpur and Alwar recently for anti-national activities. Mr. Scindia also emphasised that the compensation given to the victims should be adequate and not delayed.

Expressing concern over the 12,000 tonnes of ammunition destroyed in the fire, he said experts had valued the loss at Rs. 2,000 crores; but the Defence Minister had put the amount at Rs. 376 crores. What was even more worrying was not only that the ammunition lost constituted more than one-third of the Southern Command's requirements, but it was not readily available off the shelf. It would take three to five years to replenish.

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