The Business Bytes
PARADIP, JUNE 25, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): In a significant display of multi-agency coordination and emergency preparedness, a comprehensive mock drill was held at the main fire station of Paradip Port. The exercise, organized by the CISF Unit in collaboration with the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and various stakeholders, aimed to simulate a high-level emergency response scenario.
The event was graced by PPA Chairman PL Haranadh as the Chief Guest, with Deputy Chairman Nilabhra Dasgupta as the Guest of Honour. The drill recreated a Level III emergency involving a collapsed structure near the Marine offshore store, triggered by a cyclonic storm, thunderstorm, and an LPG cylinder explosion. This complex scenario tested the readiness and coordination of multiple response teams.
The CISF Fire Wing led the initial response with prompt firefighting efforts, followed by evacuation, search and rope rescue operations, and comprehensive collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) and victim management. This high-stakes drill saw active participation from the State Fire and Hospital Services, district administration, police, and mutual aid partners, including IFFCO, PPL, Paradip Refinery and Pipeline, JSW, KICT, and the IOCL-cum-BPCL Terminal.
Key representatives and response units from the District Disaster Management Authority, Harbour Master, Additional Assistant Director Dock Safety, State Fire Service, IOCL Pipeline and Refinery, IFFCO, PPL, IOCL and BPCL Terminals, and HPCL Terminal were present as Guests of Honour and observers. These units demonstrated their preparedness and collaborative efforts during the onsite drill, which followed a detailed tabletop exercise held the previous evening.
Addressing the stakeholders, 3rd NDRF Battalion Assistant Commandant Gaurav Jagnani underscored the importance of resource mapping and coordination. PPA Chairman PL Haranadh commended the swift response from the NDRF and other agencies, pledging to implement the recommendations from the observers to further enhance emergency response capabilities.
Commandant Akshat Patel highlighted the importance of gap analysis and praised the efficiency of the rope rescue and CSSR mechanisms. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Deputy Commandant Fire, Bishnuswaroop, who acknowledged the efforts of all participating agencies.
The program was meticulously coordinated by CC Fire Wing S. Bhaskar Das and Fire Prevention In-Charge Amresh Kumar, ensuring the drill’s success and setting a benchmark for future emergency preparedness initiatives.
