Odisha State Disaster Management Authority will conduct a state-level mock exercise on chemical disaster management

Bhubaneswar: 25/2/25:The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), will conduct a state-level mock exercise on chemical disaster management.

This exercise will involve 24 industrial units across 16 districts, including Angul, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Khordha, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Balangir, and Sambalpur.

The primary objective of this drill is to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms for chemical disasters. It aims to ensure effective coordination among key stakeholders, including industries, government agencies, and emergency response teams. The exercise will focus on rapid alert systems, evacuation procedures, and on-field emergency management strategies.

As a preparatory measure, a tabletop exercise was conducted at the State Emergency Operation Center in Bhubaneswar. Administrative officers from the 16 districts and representatives from the identified industries participated in the discussions. The participants finalized a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline disaster response efforts.

The exercise is being organized under the supervision of Additional Special Relief Commissioner Padmanabha Behera and OSDMA Executive Director Kamal Lochan Mishra. Retired Commandant Aditya Kumar facilitated the session, while NDMA member Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) addressed the participants as the moderator.

Various organizations, including the NDRF, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, CISF, Fire Services, Emergency Response Services, ODRAF, Civil Defence, State Pollution Control Board, Health and Family Welfare Department, Odisha Police, State Forensic Science Laboratory, SRC, and Odisha Maritime, are actively participating in this initiative. Representatives from the Indian Coast Guard, INS Chilika, and other state government departments also joined the discussions in virtual mode.

At the district level, District Collectors, Additional District Collectors, District Emergency Officers, and officials from the identified industries and relevant departments took part in the virtual meeting.

The meeting outlined key objectives and operational aspects of the chemical disaster management mock exercise, which is scheduled to take place on the 28th of this month.