COD tasked to clear Unexploded Ordnance at Raza Metal Industries

Staff Reporter

Based on the request of civil administration Jabalpur, HQ Madhya Bharat Area, tasked Central Ordnance Depot (COD) Jabalpur to clear the dangerous Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) scattered in the premises of Raza Metal Industries. Post the explosion on April 25, 2024 which resulted in two fatalities that engulfed the people of Jabalpur with fear of more such explosions, teams of National Security Guard (NSG) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) were pressed into service, however the final act of making the place safe by clearing the UXOs remained pending. District Magistrate Jabalpur, Deepak Saxena had requisitioned HQ Madhya Bharat Area for assistance in this regard. Post which Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat, GOC, MB Area directed COD Jabalpur to conduct safe demolition of all UXOs. Based on the same a team of COD Jabalpur led by Major Jaideep has started clearing the area by lifting the UXOs and taking them to LPR Khamaria Demolition ground for safe disposal.

The entire operation is likely to be completed by the week end where in large number of explosives will be demolished under the expert supervision of team from COD. Post which the lurking danger will be put to rest. COD Jabalpur was nominated for the task because of their knowledge and experience in undertaking such operations as they regularly undertake destruction of shelf life expired, dangerous ammunition in their inventory. Lt Gen PS Shekhawat, GOC, MB Area reiterated that Army is capable of undertaking any such operation and will extend all support to the civil administration. The GOC had himself visited the site to assess the situation and brief the Officers involved in the clearance operations.