In a proactive effort to bolster emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination, an Emergency Response Drill was conducted at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Depot in Kargil on July 19. The drill aimed to assess the readiness, efficiency, and coordination of various stakeholders in responding to potential industrial emergencies.

The exercise involved active participation from the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Fire and Emergency Services Kargil, District Police, and District Hospital Kargil. Their joint response highlighted the region’s collective commitment to disaster preparedness and public safety.

The simulated scenario focused on a high-risk emergency involving a potential fuel leak and fire outbreak at the depot. Upon receiving the alert, all emergency units mobilised swiftly and followed a coordinated response protocol. Fire and Emergency Services executed timely firefighting operations, while the District Hospital team carried out mock rescue and medical aid procedures. The Indian Army and BRO supported crowd control, area security, and evacuation, as the district police managed traffic and maintained law and order during the exercise.

Senior officials from IOCL and the district administration supervised the drill and lauded the seamless coordination among participating agencies. The exercise also provided an opportunity to evaluate existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and identify areas for further improvement.

Speaking on the occasion, an IOCL spokesperson remarked, “Safety is our topmost priority. This drill is part of our ongoing safety measures to ensure preparedness for any potential threat. We deeply appreciate the cooperation and quick response of all participating departments.”

Such joint mock drills are vital for enhancing the emergency response capacity in high-altitude, strategically important locations like Kargil. The IOCL Kargil Depot reaffirmed its commitment to safety, preparedness, and collaborative crisis management.