Army, BRO take part in emergency response drill at IOCL depot in Kargil

In a move to strengthen emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination, an Emergency Response Drill was successfully conducted at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Depot in Kargil today. The exercise was aimed at testing the efficiency, readiness, and response capabilities of various stakeholders in the event of a crisis or industrial accident.

An official statement said the drill witnessed the active participation of key departments and agencies including the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Fire and Emergency Services, Kargil, District Police and the District Hospital. Their combined presence and swift engagement reflected the region’s commitment to disaster management and community safety.

The mock drill scenario simulated a “high-risk emergency involving a potential fuel leakage and fire outbreak at the depot.” Upon receiving the alert, “all emergency units responded in a time-bound and systematic manner.”

“Fire and Emergency Services demonstrated prompt firefighting action, while the District Hospital team carried out mock rescue and medical response operations. The Army and BRO assisted in crowd control, area security and evacuation operations, while the district police managed traffic diversion and ensured law and order throughout the operation,” the statement said.

The event was overseen by senior officials from IOCL and district administration, who appreciated the seamless coordination among all agencies. The drill not only helped in evaluating the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) but also identified areas for improvement to ensure rapid and effective crisis mitigation in real-life scenarios.

Speaking on the occasion, an IOCL spokesperson stated, “Safety is our topmost priority. This drill is part of our regular safety protocol to ensure preparedness against any potential threats. We thank all participating agencies for their cooperation and swift response.”

Such joint drills play a critical role in building a robust emergency response framework for high-altitude and strategically significant locations like Kargil, the statement noted.