District level mock drill successfully organised in BALCO
BALCONAGAR, // Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a Vedanta Group company, successfully organized a district-level mock drill under the guidance of Mr. Vijay Singh Potai, Deputy Director, Industrial Health and Safety, Korba. The mock drill was conducted in collaboration with the Emergency Support Organization, and 27 representatives from seven industries actively participated.
Various industrial organizations in Korba participated in the mock drill, including Power Limited (formerly Lanco Amarkantak Power Limited), HTPS Korba West, Mines Rescue Station and Fire Services SECL Kusmunda Area, NTPC Korba, DSPM TPS Korba East, IOCL Korba Terminal, and IOCL Kusmunda.
BALCO COO (Power), Mr. Mantosh Sinha, welcomed the Deputy Director. Prior to the mock drill, a detailed discussion on incident and emergency planning was held. Mr. B. Shivakumar, Chief HSE & S, BALCO, provided a brief presentation on plant safety, road safety, fire awareness, and the mock drill's scope.
A fire emergency mock drill was conducted at the 1200 MW power plant, simulating a potential industrial accident. Participants experienced the actual emergency response process, including a symbolic rescue of an injured person.
Security, fire brigade, safety, ambulance and occupational health, rescue teams, and operations and maintenance teams were fully prepared at the scene. Fire brigade and emergency resources included two foam-type fire tenders, a fire hydrant system, water sprinklers (deluge system), two rescue teams, two advanced life support ambulances, and a factory medical officer. The area was completely cordoned off by the security team.
Following the "all clear" signal, all emergency teams underwent a detailed de-briefing on the incident, their roles, and headcount verification. This process was conducted by Deputy Director and BALCO's Mr. Mantosh Sinha (Work Incident Controller), Mr. B. The meeting was held in the presence of Mr. Shivkumar (Chief HSE&S), Mr. Bharatendu Pandey (CSO), and business partner leaders.
Deputy Director IH&S, Mr. Vijay Singh Potai, commended BALCO's efforts to improve safety at the plant. He emphasized that all employees should be aware and vigilant in such situations. He particularly praised the company's traffic management, dash cameras in vehicles, digital zebra crossings on the shop floor, robust safety procedures, effective hand signals during the mock drill, proper communication protocols, and excellent team management.
Following the mock drill, an award ceremony was held, in which mementos and plants were presented to representatives of all emergency support organizations. This mock drill demonstrates BALCO's strong commitment to safety. The company places the safety of its employees first. Through regular practice, modern equipment, and excellent coordination, BALCO remains fully prepared to handle any emergency. This event was inspiring for everyone.
