In Delhi, we have been hearing of rockets, missiles, empty and live shells being found abandoned in drains, ponds or even dustbins.
Such material is generally found in the possession of the Army or terrorists. Its appearance in public places has always evoked fear and concern.
According to sources, India imports between 10,000 and 12,000 metric tonnes of iron scrap every day at a cost of between $250 and $275 per metric ton.
It is to be noted that such scrap material is coming from the Middle East countries and Afghanistan.
The reason being in the matter of importing scrap, the rules are not stringent enough. The big dealers in the business freely import scrap from foreign countries which contains life-threatening material. In last 15 years, in Delhi NCR, more than 300 live mortar cells, rocket launchers, air missiles and anti-tank rounds have been found according to Delhi Police official.
In 2004 in the Ghaziabad Bhushan Steal furnace, one major accident took place after one mortar got busted. In that incident, 10 employees of the factory died.
According to a senior police official, when the Middle East countries like Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Yemen, Lebnon, Afganistan and Egypt are engulfed in war situation, scrap from there is available at a very cheap rate.
In the scrap, ammunition, mortar cells, rocket launchers, air missiles and anti-tank cartridges are found in a large quantity. Country’s big dealers after buying scrap from there bring it to Mumbai and Kolkata ports through the sea route. Then from here it is loaded in containers and brought to Delhi, Tughlakabad Depot by road.
According to the police official, the mortar cell found in Vasant Kunj recently didn’t belong to the Army. For Delhi Police and the NSG, it will be difficult to know how this mortar shell reached here.
Source: tribuneindia.com