Agartala, April 9: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Tripura Power Company (OTPC) Palatana Plant, a vital energy installation of national importance, successfully conducted a comprehensive security mock drill on Tuesday to reinforce its readiness for potential threats.
The mock drill, executed by the 9th Battalion of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), was a crucial exercise mandated by the 44th Off-Site Crisis Committee (OSCC) meeting. This drill simulated a security breach scenario, allowing various agencies to test their response capabilities and coordination.
The operation involved seamless collaboration and support from key district administration entities, including the Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Fire Department, Bomb Squad, and District Medical Team. OTPC’s own specialized fire and medical teams also played a central role in the exercise.
The mock drill was observed by high-ranking officials, including Commandant of TSR 9th battalion Alok Bhattacharjee, SDPO of Udaipur subdivision Nirman Das, Deputy Collector of Gomati district Rakesh Choudhury, Executive Magistrate Bishnupada Roy, and Assistant Commandant of TSR 9th Battalion Pradip Roy. Senior OTPC officials, such as COO Sanjay Garhwal, Head – Project and Services Tapas Bhowmik, and Head – O&M Prakash Chandra, were also present.
The Palatana plant’s strategic significance is amplified by its proximity to the international border and the ongoing security concerns in neighboring Bangladesh. These factors necessitate the implementation of robust and regularly tested security protocols. The successful completion of this mock drill underscores the commitment of OTPC and the participating agencies to protecting this critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and security of the region. The drill also served as a valuable training exercise, improving inter-agency coordination and response times.
