District Administration conducts mock drill on chemical emergency at Hero Steel Limited

Ludhiana, October 12, 2023: To effectively tackle disaster like situations in the district, the District Disaster Management Authority on Thursday organised a mock drill on chemical emergency in the premises of Hero Steel Limited situated at Giaspura locality.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Gautam Jain and Sub Divisional Magistrate Dr. Harjinder Singh oversaw the entire exercise wherein they stated that this mock exercise aimed at further strengthening the response time in the event of such incidents. They mentioned that the mock drill also aimed at creating awareness among people as well as employees of Hero Steel Limited as to how they should be in a state of preparedness.

During the exercise demonstrations on prevention and self-protection measures in the event of a chemical emergency were also made. An impressive mock drill showcasing skills and techniques for rescuing people from chemical emergency (hydrochloric acid leak) was presented by a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Ladhowal, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defense, Fire Brigade, Paramedics, and other stakeholders.

DL Jakhar, Company Commander, NDRF, said that during the event the officials concerned showed the skills as to how people could be rescued and treated in case of a chemical emergency, which in today’s case was hydrochloric acid leak. The rescue teams demarcated hot and warm zones based on the level of toxicity as a part of their operation.

The ADC and SDM said that the mock drill was conducted to ensure better coordination among all stakeholders so that they can get themselves acquainted with their roles and responsibilities with respect to tackling disaster like situations. Furthermore, it also focuses on reducing response time in the event of such situation so that a well-coodrinated approach cab be adopted during rescue operations. They also showed satisfaction that everyone reached the venue on time once they were alerted about the mock drill.

They said the main aim of today’s mock drill was to find out how much time it takes for the stakeholders and members of the District Disaster Management Authority to reach a a particular place in case of an emergency.

The ADC and SDM fuerher added that more such mock drills would be organised in the coming days. They also thanked the management of Hero Steels Limited for their support and cooperation in this exercise.

SDM Dr. Harjinder Singh mentioned that being and industrial hub, maximun drills would be held in the district in coming days.