The Guwahati Refinery is scheduled to conduct a comprehensive offsite disaster mock drill today, Tuesday, March 25, starting at approximately 11:00 AM. Organized under the expert guidance of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Kamrup Metro, the exercise is designed to rigorously test the region’s emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination.
The simulation will center on a high-stakes emergency scenario: the formation of an LPG vapor cloud originating from a mounded storage unit. In this hypothetical crisis, the resulting fire is scripted to spread beyond the refinery’s immediate boundaries, requiring a massive, synchronized response from external agencies.
A wide array of stakeholders will be on the ground to manage the “crisis.” Participants include the State Fire Services, Assam Police, health departments, and dedicated disaster response forces. Additionally, the exercise involves the Pollution Control Board of Assam, civil defense, the army, and the railways, ensuring that every regulatory and protective body is aligned in their response strategy.
Local commuters should prepare for significant disruptions. Traffic congestion is expected to be heavy in the Noonmati area for the duration of the drill. Specifically, the stretch of road extending from the Mathgharia Flyover to Chandmari and Khargholi is likely to see delays. Authorities are advising the public to plan their travel well in advance or seek alternative routes to avoid being caught in the simulation perimeter.
Refinery officials and the DDMA have issued a clear message to the residents of Guwahati. This is a pre-planned activity conducted under strict Standard Operating Procedures. The sights and sounds of emergency vehicles and sirens are part of a vital effort to ensure that, should a real disaster occur, the city’s response will be swift, safe, and effective.
