Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg has directed authorities to further strengthen preparedness, rapid response and coordinated action to minimise the impact of chemical accidents in the state.
Garg chaired a meeting of the State Crisis Group on Tuesday at Lok Seva Bhawan to review measures related to prevention, preparedness, emergency response and post-accident management of chemical mishaps.
Emphasising that protection of life and property must remain the top priority during chemical emergencies, the Chief Secretary called for advance identification of potential risks and strengthening of district- and local-level emergency plans, safety audits and regular mock drills.
She stressed the need for continuous coordination among government departments, industries and emergency response agencies for an effective response during emergencies.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh called for integrating departmental and district-level preparedness into a coordinated system.
He emphasised regular verification of risk-related data, review of off-site emergency plans, GIS-based mapping of vulnerable areas and strengthening the preparedness of local administrations, particularly in cases involving transportation of hazardous materials from industrial establishments.
Director General of Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi stressed the need for trained manpower, specialised equipment and emergency vehicles to deal with chemical accidents.
He also called for strengthening rescue and evacuation capabilities, conducting regular mock drills and increasing joint exercises involving the Fire Services, district administration, industries and other emergency agencies.
The meeting reviewed measures to strengthen the chemical accident database, medical preparedness, public awareness, safety audits and safety reports, besides enhancing the capacity of emergency control rooms.
The State Crisis Group stressed building an integrated mechanism covering prevention, preparedness, mitigation, rapid response and public participation to reduce the impact of chemical accidents.
Directions were issued to concerned departments and organisations to complete the required measures within the stipulated time and ensure compliance with existing guidelines and recommendations.
DGP Vinaytosh Mishra, senior officials of the Health and Family Welfare, Commerce and Transport, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Labour and Employees’ State Insurance departments, Labour Commissioner, Odisha, and representatives of industrial establishments attended the meeting.
