Mock Drill at Iffco

An On-Site Emergency Mock Drill was successfully conducted at IFFCO Paradeep Unit on Thursday, 4th September 2025, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to industrial safety and emergency preparedness. The drill focused on a simulated ammonia gas leak scenario originating from a weld joint on the ammonia header line between Train B and Train C. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency response protocols and readiness of personnel. Prior to the drill, a detailed briefing session was held to ensure that all emergency response teams were fully aware of the simulation parameters. During the mock incident, IFFCO’s Fire & Safety Department immediately took action by evacuating the affected area, implementing precautionary measures, and creating a water curtain around the leakage point to contain the spread of ammonia. All relevant departments, including fire services, medical response teams, maintenance, and production units, participated actively and responded in a coordinated and timely manner. The exercise was observed by several dignitaries and officials from government bodies, mutual-aid industries, and emergency response agencies.

Shri Niranjan Behera, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Paradeep, lauded IFFCO’s preparedness and emphasized the importance of regular drills in view of the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis. During Cyclone and natural calamities, he also emphasized to safe evacuation of people.

Shri C.S. Behera, Asst. Director of Factories & Boilers, Paradeep Zone, emphasized the critical role of the Emergency Control Room during such incidents. He stressed that it must function as a centralized command hub to ensure seamless coordination, communication, and timely decision-making during emergencies.

Shri P.C. Behera, Regional Officer, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, stressed the importance of continuous plant-wise monitoring of hazardous gases and called for regular maintenance and upgrading of detection systems to align with current safety standards.

Shri P.K. Mahapatra, Unit Head of IFFCO Paradeep, emphasized the value of inter-industry collaboration and collective preparedness across the Paradeep industrial region. He advocated for realistic mock drills, mutual-aid resource sharing, and continuous improvement of Disaster Management Plans. He also expressed appreciation for the support and participation of government authorities, emergency agencies, and mutual-aid partners.

The mock drill was attended by prominent officials including Shri Smruti Ranjan Kar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Paradeep; Dr. Naveen Kumar, Deputy Commandant, NDRF Cuttack; Shri K.R.N. Murthy, GM (Production); Shri A.N. Ojha, GM (Maintenance); Shri R.K. Swain, JGM (Fire & Safety), as well as representatives from NDRF, CISF, Indian Coast Guard, Odisha Fire Services, Paradeep Port Authority, and neighboring industries. Their presence reinforced the strong mutual-aid network operating in the Paradeep area. The exercise concluded successfully, demonstrating IFFCO Paradeep’s high level of preparedness, operational coordination, and its ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of its employees, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment through proactive risk management and continuous improvement in emergency response protocols.