TFP Bureau, Korba; April 26, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading aluminium producer in India and part of Vedanta Aluminium, marked National Fire Service Week with a robust fire safety campaign aimed at fostering awareness and preparedness. Themed ‘Ensure Fire Safety, Contribute Towards Nation Building,’ the initiative sought to instill a culture of fire safety within BALCO’s operations and wider community. Engaging over 2,000 participants, including employees, students, and community members, the week-long program sensitized individuals to create a fire-safe environment through various activities.
Commencing on April 14, the week unfolded with engaging competitions such as quizzes, drawing contests, and slogan competitions, all emphasizing the criticality of fire safety. Additionally, BALCO conducted comprehensive safety training sessions to educate participants about fire prevention measures. A highlight of the event was a special ‘Nukkad Natak’ (street play) focusing on fire safety guidelines and preparedness.
The culmination of the campaign saw BALCO recognizing outstanding contributors to fire safety from various departments and sub-business units within the company, acknowledging their efforts in ensuring safety within plant premises. Professionals from neighboring businesses, including representatives from NTPC Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, also actively participated in the initiative.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, underscored the company’s commitment to safety, stating,
“Awareness is paramount for prevention. At BALCO, we prioritize safety by fostering awareness among employees and communities to effectively prevent and manage fire and safety incidents. Through proactive measures, resource allocation, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we are not just keeping pace but staying ahead in safeguarding our operations and the community around us. Together, we are committed to fostering a safer and more secure tomorrow for all.”
Mr. Ashok Prasad, Assistant Commandant from NTPC Fire Department, commended BALCO’s proactive and collaborative approach in managing safety incidents swiftly. He praised the exemplary cooperation and mutual aid between fire units in the area, highlighting their collective readiness and strong community support.
BALCO’s Fire Safety team remains dedicated to ensuring safety by protecting individuals in and around plant operations during emergency situations. Highlights from the past financial year include responding to over 200 emergencies, conducting comprehensive fire safety training for over 4,000 individuals, conducting over 70 mock drills, and inaugurating three new high-performance fire tenders equipped with advanced features. Additionally, fire safety teams logged over 9,000 standby hours, ensuring readiness for prompt response to emergency situations.