Vedanta Lanjigarh conducts emergency mock drill
By Our Correspondent
Lanjigarh (Kalahandi), Jan. 7: Vedanta Aluminium on Tuesday conducted an emergency mock drill at its Lanjigarh alumina refinery to assess preparedness for high-risk operational scenarios and test the effectiveness of its Emergency Response Plan.
The exercise was carried out at the Red Mud Pond area, where a simulated scenario involving the entrapment of an excavator operator following a sudden red mud collapse was created. As part of the drill, operations were immediately suspended, the site was secured and energy sources were isolated to prevent any escalation.
Rescue, combat and auxiliary teams were mobilised within four to six minutes and safely evacuated the trapped operator using prescribed personal protective equipment and specialised rescue tools. The drill tested response timelines, communication protocols and coordination among various functional teams. Officials said observations and improvement measures identified during the exercise have been documented to further strengthen emergency preparedness.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said regular mock drills were essential to ensure effective response during critical situations. “Continuous on-ground testing of our safety systems helps protect our people, operations and neighbouring communities,” he said.
The mock drill was conducted in the presence of senior plant officials and community representatives. Vedanta Aluminium said it follows a transparent and proactive approach to safety and regularly conducts mock drills in coordination with agencies such as the Odisha Directorate of Factories and Boilers, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).
The company added that it has implemented multiple safety initiatives at the Lanjigarh refinery, including simulator-based driving training, the Suraksha Sankalp behavioural safety programme and smart AAINA safety models to encourage safe practices in high-risk areas.
