Need for web-based chemical mishap info system: Chief Secretary

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 15

Chemical disasters can be traumatic in their impacts on human lives, infrastructure, assets and ecology, said Chief Secretary Anil Kumar Khachi, adding that a web-based Chemical Accident Information and Reporting System (CAIRS) should be developed. He was presiding over an online table-top exercise on chemical disasters here today.

He said CAIRS should be developed by the Department of Industries/Disaster Management Cell with the help NIC, in which common information on hazardous chemicals, location mapping, processes, storage, handling, decontamination, accidents and best practices etc are documented for future reference.

This Tabletop Exercise on Chemical Disasters, mainly industrial ones, involving five districts of Kangra, Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur and Una is the first initiative to test the state’s preparedness on emergencies that may arise due to industrial hazards, he added.

“With the advent of new industries and industrial townships coming up in the state, there is a need to take cognisance of imminent threats of chemical (industrial) disasters whose adverse impacts would encompass the entire biota,” he said.

He added that the provisions in various Acts to mitigate industrial hazards needed to be implemented in letter and spirit.

The Chief Secretary stressed the need for regular meetings of the state, district and local crisis groups to review the off-site emergency plan, monitor post-accident situation etc.