Kaniha : NTPC Talcher Kaniha, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), conducted a state-level mock exercise focusing on chemical disaster management. The exercise took place in DM plant area of stage 2, simulating a hydrochloric acid (HCL) leak scenario from one of the storage tanks of capacity 25MT.
During the mock drill, nine workers were found to be affected by the acid leak and swiftly rescued by CISF Fire and NDRF team. One seriously affected shifted to Angul District Hospital with coordination with District Emergency Operation Centre of Angul for hassle free movement on the way and timely treatment at hospital. Two more workers were rescued and sent to CHC, Kaniha for treatment. The remaining six workers received immediate first aid and were later released from the first aid center. Senior officials from various organizations witnessed the mock drill, underscoring the significance of this exercise.
The mock exercise was conducted with close coordination and support from State Police, Medical and Fire Dept along with support from NDRF and other nearby mutual aid partners. The disaster management team of NTPC Kaniha started the exercise as per the onsite emergency plan later assisted by Govt of Odisha and NDRF. Shri. Chinmaya Das, Tahsildar (Kaniha) was the Incident Commander for the mock exercise. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Behera, Dy Director (Factories & Boiler), Angul and Er. Ramesh Kumar Ekka, RO(SPCB) were deputed as the observer from Govt of Odisha.
Following the drill, a detailed briefing session was held at Vivekanand Hall, where guests from outside shared their observations and feedback on the exercise. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Shri A. Balan, Member (Planning), Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Shri A. K. Sehgal, HOP, NTPC Talcher Kaniha, Shri Vijay Goel, Executive Director (Safety), Corporate Centre (CC), Major General A.K. Verma, NDMA Coordinator, Shri. Chinmaya Das, Tahsildar (Kaniha) , Dr. R.K. Behera DD(F&B), Angul, Er. RK Ekka, RO(SPCB), and Dr. Naveen Kumar, (NDRF).
In his concluding remarks, Shri A.K. Sehgal, HOP, NTPC Talcher Kaniha, expressed his gratitude and congratulations to everyone involved in the successful completion of the mock drill. He praised the NDMA, CEA & State authority for initiating this important exercise and acknowledged the involvement of all including NDMA, state authorities, , NDRF, senior dignitaries, which made the event even more impactful. “This exercise is extremely beneficial for the site and will aid in future disaster management preparedness.”