Tabletop Exercise and Off-Site Mock Drill Conducted in Rayagada District to Tackle Chlorine Gas Leak Emergencies

Mr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta

Rayagada, November 7: A tabletop exercise was conducted last Thursday at the new conference hall of the Collectorate to assess departmental preparedness and ensure effective response mechanisms for potential chemical accidents and chlorine gas leak emergencies in Rayagada district. The meeting was organized by the Office of the Deputy Director of Factories and Boilers, Rayagada Division, and presided over by Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Shri Nihar Ranjan Kanhar. Officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Fire Services, Police Department, District Information and Public Relations Department (I&PR), Health Department, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Railways, TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), and the District Emergency Operation Centre attended the meeting.

Key discussions centered on the responsibilities and standard operating procedures of various departments during a chlorine gas leak emergency, the sequential execution of the mock drill, safety protocols during chlorine transportation, and inter-departmental coordination in rescue and relief operations. Deliberations were also held on sensitizing and training women Self-Help Group (SHG) members, Anganwadi workers, Sarpanches, and public representatives regarding necessary precautions and public awareness; arranging dedicated emergency rescue vehicles; and safeguarding the drinking water supply infrastructure.

Subsequently, in the afternoon, an off-site emergency mock drill simulating a chlorine gas leak scenario was conducted at Kerada, located near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border.

The primary objective of this exercise was to evaluate inter-agency coordination, swift rescue operations, medical response, public safety measures, and disaster management readiness. Such drills aim to ensure prompt and efficient crisis handling during real-time chemical emergencies, safeguarding both public life and property.