Well preparedness in Navratna Company NALCO to meet the threat of Cyclone FANI

02/05/2019

Bhubaneswar, 02.05.2019: Navratna Company NALCO has taken several precautionary measures in view of the threat posed by Cyclone FANI, which is likely to affect Odisha on 3rd May, 2019. Corporate Office in Bhubaneswar, Smelter & Power Complex in Angul, Mines & Refinery Complex at Damanjodi, Koraput and Port Facilities in Visakhapatnam have put in place the Standard Operating Practices (SOP) – Disaster Management Action Plan.

Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO reviewed the arrangements in a meeting at Corporate Office attended by officials of plants, refinery, smelter, port facilities, outstation offices on video conferencing. Specific attention is being given for the safety of ash pond at S&P Complex & red mud pond at M&R Complex, Damanjodi. Dr. Chand said, ‘’In addition, NALCO is keeping ready disaster management team to help disaster management team with equipment to help district Administration.’’ Dewatering pumps have been kept ready with diesel generators. Continuous process plants like Refinery, Smelter and power plant will be operated at safe level. Heavy equipment like stacker – reclaimer, ship loader, etc. operating in the field are getting proper anchoring and locking to withstand heavy wind. Availability of DG sets and tree cutters to meet emergency situation, disaster Management teams in each unit have been kept ready. Control rooms have been opened. CISF, STF and other security personnel along with QRT teams are on high alert for monitoring and intervention. Fire tenders have been kept ready, first aid centres with doctors and staffs have been kept to take immediate measures.

Employees, local villagers in and around the plant and mines have been sensitised. Cable belt conveyor from Mines to Refinery will be stopped in case of heavy wind, based on monitoring input. Executive Directors in charge of plant and mines are continuously reviewing the situation along with their team.