No defect in storage procedure: Army

BHARATPUR, APRIL 30. The Army today clarified that no wrong procedure was adopted for storing ammunition in the Bharatpur depot, even as the troops were bracing themselves for a major operation in and around the depot to defuse the unexploded and semi-exploded shells after the devastating fire on Friday.

``The ammunition is kept on open plinths during summers and distance is being maintained between shells as per acceptable norms,'' Brig. M.N. Mahajan, brigadier (Admn) of 12 corps, said.

He said small arms were kept in the open. Preliminary inquiry suggested that one of these plinths caught fire, which broke out in the grass in the complex. Nine columns of the Army have been pressed into service to clear the area of unexploded shells, a major cause of concern as their explosion could trigger blasts of left-over ammunition in the depot.

The Army's Para unit, moved in from Agra, has cleared some parts of the depot compound, spread over an area of 28 km.

However, officials said the area could be cleaned only after a minute search for which modern equipment might be pressed into service.

The explosive experts may not be able to defuse the unexploded shells and have to carry them out of the compound. The depot has 49 storing facilities of which nine have been completely destroyed.

The scorching sun, with the mercury touching 45 deg. Celsius, is yet another problem as it too can trigger blasts.

Senior Army officials said after completing combing in the premises, the troops will assist in clearing of the villages Outside the depot.

Meanwhile, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and anti- tank missiles, forming part of the armoury, have not been damaged.

Though the fire is suspected to be accidental, the Army authorities have not ruled out sabotage.

- PTI

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