In a significant move to bolster industrial safety, the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) successfully executed a large-scale mock drill on Thursday, simulating a major gas leak emergency. The comprehensive exercise involved multiple departments and agencies working in sync to test the plant's readiness for a potential disaster.
Multi-Agency Response in Action
The mock drill, which commenced at 11 am and lasted for approximately 90 minutes, saw active participation from various BSL departments. These included gas safety, blast furnace operations, plant control, medical services, and security personnel. Crucially, the exercise was a collaborative effort with external agencies like the CISF, district administration, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Ajay Nath Jha, the Deputy Commissioner of Bokaro, emphasized the drill's objective. He stated that it was designed to evaluate the plant's operational preparedness, response time, and the crucial communication and coordination between different agencies. The ultimate goal was to ensure an effective and swift rescue operation during a real-life emergency.
Officials Monitor and Review Performance
The drill was closely monitored from a dedicated incident post by a team of senior officials. This group included DC Jha, Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh, and Executive Director (Works) Priya Ranjan. Observers were strategically stationed across the plant to document the entire process.
Following the 90-minute exercise, a review meeting was held where these observers presented their findings. Officials from the district disaster management team, CISF, and the NDRF's 9th Battalion, led by District Disaster Officer Shakti Kumar, contributed their observations. Initial reports indicated that all key parameters for emergency preparedness were deemed satisfactory.
Emphasizing the Need for Preparedness
Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, Manikant Dhan, BSL's Chief of Communication, noted that the Bokaro Steel Plant is one of the most significant industrial units in Jharkhand and eastern India. He pointed out that as a steel-producing facility, it deals with thermo-sensitive and chemical hazards, making these preparedness drills absolutely essential for worker and facility safety.
This mock drill, conducted after a gap of nearly two years, was a coordinated effort by the NDRF and the district administration. Its primary aim was to review and subsequently enhance the plant's overall disaster response capabilities, ensuring it remains prepared for any unforeseen industrial incident.
