THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, JUNE 11, 2026

Reinforcing its commitment to safety, resilience, and emergency preparedness, Paradip Port Authority (PPA), in collaboration with the 3rd Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Mundali, conducted a comprehensive Multi-Agency Coordination Mock Drill at the Main Fire Station of Paradip Port.

The large-scale exercise brought together emergency response teams from government agencies, industrial establishments, and mutual aid partners operating in and around Paradip. The primary objective was to assess preparedness levels, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure an effective and timely response to emergencies such as cyclones, industrial accidents, fires, and other disaster situations.

The programme commenced with a tabletop exercise, during which Ramakanta Dash, Team Commander, NDRF, emphasized the critical role of resource mapping, coordinated planning, and prompt decision-making in disaster management. The session enabled participants to review existing response mechanisms and deliberate on strategies for managing complex emergency scenarios.

A series of practical demonstrations followed, simulating multiple disaster situations, including structural collapse and search-and-rescue operations, rope rescue techniques, road clearance following cyclone-induced obstructions, industrial firefighting involving tank fire incidents, and casualty management with medical evacuation. The exercise showcased the ability of various agencies to work in close coordination to save lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and restore normalcy during crisis situations.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanat Kumar Patel, Commandant, CISF, lauded the collective efforts of all participating agencies and underscored the importance of conducting regular mock drills to identify operational gaps and enhance preparedness. He noted that such exercises strengthen response capabilities and instill confidence among emergency personnel to handle real-life emergencies effectively.

Manoj Kumar Chauhan, Deputy Commandant, CISF, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their active participation and highlighted the significance of collaborative disaster management. He observed that for a major industrial and maritime hub like Paradip, robust partnerships and continuous preparedness are essential for mitigating risks and ensuring public safety.

The drill witnessed active participation from NDRF, CISF Fire Wing, Odisha Fire and Emergency Services, Odisha Police, Indian Coast Guard, Intelligence Bureau, Dock Safety Department, and emergency response teams from leading industrial establishments, including IOCL, IFFCO, Paradeep Phosphates Limited, JSW Steel, Adani Wilmar, BPCL, HPCL, KICT, and PICT.

The on-ground exercise was coordinated by Akash Jaiswal, Assistant Commandant, CISF Fire Wing. The programme was attended by the Deputy Conservator & Port Facility Security Officer (DC & PFSO), Assistant Director (Dock Safety), senior officials of Paradip Port Authority, representatives of participating industries, and members of various emergency response agencies.

The successful conduct of the mock drill reflects Paradip Port Authority's proactive approach towards disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness. Through regular collaborative exercises and stakeholder engagement, PPA continues to strengthen its emergency response framework, ensuring the safety of port personnel, industrial workers, critical assets, and the surrounding community.