Mock exercise to tackle chemical disaster conducted in Tarn Taran

A mock exercise based on a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) disaster was conducted by a team from the 7th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Bathinda, at Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited, Shri Goindwal Sahib, in Tarn Taran district.

The primary objective of the exercise was to test preparedness for rapid response, safe evacuation, decontamination, medical assistance and administrative coordination under a realistic scenario involving a potential chemical or CBRN disaster in an industrial area.

The mock exercise was supervised by Pankaj Sharma, Deputy Commandant, NDRF. The NDRF team, under the leadership of Team Commander Inspector Vikram, carried out the exercise in a planned, disciplined and effective manner. Officials who participated included Ishu Sanghar, Deputy Director of Factories; Ramandeep Singh Karir, Works Manager, Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited, Shri Goindwal Sahib; Suresh Verma, HR Head; Nikhlesh, Safety Officer; and members of the Emergency Response Team of the unit.

Neighbouring industries, including IOCL, GVK and BHEL, also participated under the Mutual Aid Programme.

During the exercise, a realistic scenario of a chemical gas leak was created within the industrial premises. The NDRF team promptly established hot, warm and cold zones and identified the suspected chemical using CBRN detection equipment. Wearing personal protective equipment and CBRN suits, the team demonstrated containment of the affected area, safe evacuation, identification of casualties, first aid and the decontamination process.

The drill also included practical testing of communication systems, medical response, area control, the functioning of the unit’s Emergency Response Team and administrative coordination in accordance with standard operating procedures. The exercise demonstrated that the impact of a CBRN disaster can be minimised through timely and coordinated action.

The civil administration, police, health department, fire services, District Disaster Management Authority, Kansai Nerolac team and departments concerned actively participated, strengthening joint response capability in the event of a real CBRN emergency.

The technical expertise, discipline and coordination displayed by the NDRF team, the Kansai Nerolac Emergency Response Team, participating industries and other departments were appreciated. It was stated that such CBRN mock exercises are vital for strengthening disaster management preparedness in industrial areas and ensuring public safety.