Vedanta Aluminium and NDRF conduct emergency response mock drill at Jharsuguda Plant

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, OCTOBER 16, 2025

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, in partnership with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), conducted a large-scale Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) mock drill at its world-class aluminium plant in Jharsuguda. The initiative aimed to evaluate on-ground preparedness and further strengthen the emergency response mechanisms across the world’s largest aluminium production facility.

The simulated exercise recreated a mock fire scenario at one of the operational units, where joint teams from Vedanta Aluminium, NDRF, local fire services, and the district administration collaborated to contain the situation swiftly and safely. The drill included coordinated evacuation procedures, first-aid response, and rescue operations, ensuring that every participating team clearly understood their roles and responsibilities during real-life emergencies.

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The activity was part of Vedanta Aluminium’s ongoing commitment to enhance workplace safety by developing effective, rapid response mechanisms for potential industrial emergencies such as fire incidents, chemical leaks, or uncontrolled emissions. The exercise helped assess real-time coordination, communication efficiency, and the overall readiness of Vedanta’s emergency response teams alongside national and local authorities.

Archana Das, Assistant Director of Factories and Boilers; Mrityunjay Sabar, Assistant Collector and District Emergency Officer; and Tirthabasi Sahoo, Commandant, NDRF, appreciated Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts in organizing the comprehensive mock drill. They commended the company’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and preparedness for unforeseen contingencies.

Speaking on the occasion, C. Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, safety is not just a priority but a core value that defines how we operate. This joint drill with the NDRF has provided valuable insights into enhancing our preparedness for any unforeseen situation. Through such collaborations, we continue to strengthen our safety culture and ensure a zero-harm environment for our workforce and the community around us.”

Echoing similar views, Tirthabasi Sahoo, Commandant, NDRF, said, “The collaboration with Vedanta Aluminium showcases how industries and emergency response forces can work together to ensure operational resilience. The company’s consistent focus on mock drills and proactive safety measures reflects its strong emphasis on preparedness and community safety — hallmarks of responsible business practices.”

Through continuous training programs, regular mock drills, and partnerships with national safety agencies, Vedanta Aluminium remains steadfast in its vision to achieve world-class standards in occupational health and safety. The company consistently undertakes initiatives to build employee awareness, enhance emergency responsiveness, and promote community engagement in safety preparedness, both within its operations and in the surrounding areas.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, manufacturing over half of the country’s aluminium output — 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. A leader in value-added aluminium products, the company serves core industries critical to India’s growth. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium sector, reflecting its leadership in sustainable development practices. With its state-of-the-art smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive the emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.