NDRF Conducts Mock Drill for Petroleum Tanker Fire at Hathras Plant

A mock drill was conducted at the Bharat Petroleum Bottling Plant in Salempur, Hathras, to practise the response to a fire breaking out in a petroleum tanker. The exercise was organised by the Eighth Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Ghaziabad, on Monday, 26 October 2026.

The programme focused on disaster rescue training and the effective management of relief and rescue operations during an industrial accident. It was organised under the guidance of Commandant Mr Sudesh Kumar and in coordination with the Hathras district administration.

During the mock drill, a fictional emergency situation was created in which a petroleum tanker caught fire after being hit by a vehicle. Following the simulated incident, the plant manager, safety officer and employees tried to bring the fire under control.

When the fire could not be controlled, the plant authorities informed the district administration. Acting on the instructions of the District Magistrate, the concerned departments established coordination with one another and began firefighting and rescue operations.

Through the joint efforts of the departments and teams involved, the exercise demonstrated the successful control of the fire. The drill was conducted to assess how the plant staff and government agencies would respond during an emergency involving an industrial accident.

The plant manager, safety officer and other concerned employees of the Bharat Petroleum Bottling Plant took part in the programme along with the NDRF team. The District Disaster Management Authority, Hathras, was also represented at the event.

Mr Lekhraj Singh, District Disaster Management Officer, was present as the representative of the District Magistrate on behalf of the District Disaster Management Authority, Hathras.

The main objective of the mock drill was to assess preparations for quick action, better coordination between different departments and an effective relief and rescue system during an industrial accident. The exercise also examined how quickly the concerned departments could become active in an emergency.

The teams practised the steps required to control the fire, carry out rescue operations and ensure safe evacuation. The exercise also focused on the importance of remaining alert during emergency situations and giving information on time.

Special emphasis was placed on taking quick action to protect people and property. The drill was aimed at strengthening preparedness in industrial establishments to deal with possible accidents and at helping reduce losses during a disaster.