The recent seizure of 58 detonators and 15 live cartridges in the city has once again exposed gaps in the tracking mechanism of explosive materials, raising serious security concerns. While a barcode-based system exists to monitor the movement of explosives from production to end use, it does not currently cover detonators creating a critical loophole that could be exploited by anti-social elements.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the industry regulator, had introduced barcoding to ensure traceability of explosives. However, due to the sensitive materials used in detonator manufacturing, barcode tagging has been considered risky and therefore not implemented. This limitation makes it difficult to trace the origin or intended user when such materials are found abandoned, as in the recent Ganeshpeth case.
Under the existing system, manufacturers are required to file returns detailing production quantities and sales, including the identity of buyers. Barcode tracking helps authorities match discrepancies in case of theft or excess production. But in the absence of barcodes on non-electronic detonators, such verification becomes nearly impossible. A senior official associated with the investigation confirmed that the detonators recovered in central Nagpur did not carry any barcode markings.
To address this issue, PESO has been pushing for the adoption of electronic detonators, which can be tracked more effectively. These devices require activation through a dedicated handheld logger, and both the detonator and logger must be from the same manufacturer functioning like a lock-and-key system to prevent misuse. Despite this, the adoption of electronic detonators remains limited.
In a directive issued last July, PESO advised manufacturers to gradually phase out conventional electric detonators in favor of electronic variants equipped with embedded chips for better traceability.
The directive also mandates password protection in exploder devices, ensuring that only authorized users can operate them. However, until such systems are widely implemented, concerns over diversion and misuse of detonators are likely to persist.
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