A Radiological Emergency Mock Drill was conducted, recently, at the Cargo Terminal of Hyderabad Airport. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted this exercise in association with GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL) and stakeholders from Central and State Government. This was done with a focus to ascertain response and preparedness based on detection, protection and decontamination of radioactive consignments in case of any incident during movement of such hazardous material at the airport premises – thus saving precious lives and properties.

The Radiological Emergency Mock Drill was conducted as mandated by the National Disaster Management Authority. The exercise reinforced the efficiency of the airport’s Contingency Plan and familiarization of roles and responsibilities of stakeholders/agencies during Radiological Emergency situations. For this drill a scenario was enacted at the cargo terminal, wherein radiological emergency was invoked after the information of some radioactive consignment getting exposed to fire at the cargo terminal. As per the Airport contingency plan, various critical zones were invoked to address the crisis situation and effectively handled in coordination with various agencies.

Since the inception of Hyderabad Airport, GHIAL has been conducting Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Emergency Exercise every year in collaboration with stakeholders and key agencies from state and central government.

Commenting on this exercise, Mr. SGK Kishore, CEO, GHIAL said, "We are thankful to all the stakeholders who have participated in the Radiological Emergency Mock Drill at RGIA. We have been conducting all the mandatory emergency exercises including HAZMAT emergency drill. The participation in the NDRF led Radiological Emergency Mock Drill has reinforced our capabilities and commitment to meet any crisis situation. The learnings from the exercise would help us in addressing any radiation emergencies at the airport.”

The exercise ended with a debrief session, which included sharing of observations and explanations from various stakeholders who participated in the event. Chairing the debrief session Dr. S. Murali, Head - Emergency Preparedness and response section of Department of Atomic Energy said, “GHIAL and the other stakeholders have expedited the mock drill with absolute precision. Communication and coordination play a vital role during any incident situation. We appreciate GHIAL and other stakeholders for their flawless coordination”.

The event culminated with additional emphasis laid on being ever ready to face radiological emergency as Steven Cyros puts it, "When disaster strikes the time to prepare had passed."

The exercise was attended by Mr. Maheshwar Dayal, DIG, CISF; Mr. K. K. Singh, DIG – South Zone HQ, NDRF; Dr. M Anuradha, Regional Director in-charge of Airport Health Organization; Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Commandant – CISF; Mr. P S Grewal, Deputy Commandant, CISF, and personnel from Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Telangana State Fire Services & Disaster Management, Apollo Hospital, GHIAL Security & Control, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting, Airport Operation Control Centre, and Cargo Operations among others.

About GHIAL:

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) is a joint venture company promoted by the GMR Group (63%) in partnership with Government of India (13%), Government of Telangana (13%) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (11%). The Company was incorporated to design, finance, build, operate and maintain a world class Greenfield airport at Shamshabad, Hyderabad. Hyderabad airport was commissioned in a record time of 31 months in March 2008, with an initial capacity of 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and 1,50,000 MT of cargo handling capacity per annum. The Project has the flexibility to increase capacity to accommodate over 40 MPPA and shall be developed in a phased manner.

For further information about GHIAL, visit www.hyderabad.aero

For Further details, please contact:

Anindita Sinha
Head - Corporate Communications, GHIAL
E mail: Anindita.Sinha@gmrgroup.in

Prashant Kumar
Corporate Communications, GHIAL
E mail: prashant.kumar@gmrgroup.in