GUWAHATI, March 7 - The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) carried out a mock exercise on industrial disaster emergency and response yesterday at IOC, Betkuchi jointly with SDRF, Fire Brigade, 108 Ambulance Service and employees working at IOC, Betkuchi.
The 1st Battalion of the NDRF took active part in the exercise and assisted plant employees in planning and coordination at the initial stage in the wake of any industrial disaster. Rescuers of NDRF participated in the exercise with all required response tools and equipment.
As part of the standard practice, command posts were established along with a medical base in the safety zone to monitor the situation and provide necessary pre-hospital treatment to victims. During the mock drill, effective methodology and response drills were rehearsed and practised to ensure effective, speedy and safe operation with very limited equipment.
�Disaster response is not only the task of specialised groups. Rather, community groups, youths, working personnel, NGOs, various authorities and civil administration also play an instrumental role for effective and accountable disaster management. The community should be aware of the hazardous installations and know how to combat the situation. The local community has to be informed about the response steps to be taken in case of any such accident,� a statement said.
The exercise was conducted with an objective to sensitise the people living in the vicinity of the industrial setup. Approximately 215 personnel from NDRF and other agencies took part in the mock drill.
