Bongaigaon (Assam), July 20 (HS). As a proactive step towards enhancing emergency response capabilities, NTPC, Bongaigaon today successfully conducted a joint mega mock drill. The comprehensive exercise conducted under the supervision of CISF Commandant GM Thangjom focused on preparation for earthquake, chlorine leakage and flood scenario.
The exercise began at the new administrative building outside the plant premises, wherein a major earthquake situation was simulated with Assam as the epicentre. The exercise was a part of the disaster management plan of NTPC-Bangaigaon. It involved realistic scenarios, including simulation of a magnitude of 7 RS earthquake, which could have caused significant structural impacts at the simulated site. The exercise commenced at 10 am and was conducted under the vigilant supervision of Chief Incident Controller Akhilesh Singh, Project Head, NTPC Bangaigaon, Induri S Reddy, GM (O&M), Ashutosh Biswas, GM (Operation) and other senior officials.
CISF in collaboration with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police immediately informed the staff and started rescue operation within 15 minutes of the simulated earthquake. The response teams displayed exceptional coordination and efficiency while demonstrating surface casualty recovery, rope rescue techniques and other tactical recovery. MS Kandhari, Assistant Commandant, CISF (Fire) at NTPC Bongaigaon briefed the team about the incident and ensured smooth coordination of the drill by effectively managing the dynamics of emergency response.
CISF, NDRF, SDRF and local police showed promptness in informing the staff and launching rescue operations within minutes of the earthquake simulation. The operation included rope rescue, evacuation of injured to the surface and immediate medical intervention. After the earthquake simulation, the drill included chlorine leakage scenario and flood-like situation at NTPC reservoir, further testing the adaptability and efficiency of the emergency teams. Innovative rescue techniques and flood protection measures were demonstrated, especially by NDRF, which demonstrated 'desi jugaad' flood protection items for public preparedness.
The exercise concluded at 12:30 pm with a detailed briefing at the fire station by CISF Deputy Commandant Kumar and Kandhari, AC/Fire. Akhilesh Singh provided valuable feedback on various areas of improvement, ensuring that lessons learnt from the exercise are integrated into future response strategies. This mock drill not only strengthened the preparedness of NTPC Bongaigaon teams in dealing with potential disasters but also demonstrated the organization's commitment towards the safety and well-being of its personnel and the surrounding community.