TFP Bureau, Korba, April 26, 2025: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium and one of India’s leading aluminium producers, marked National Fire Service Week with a comprehensive week-long campaign aimed at promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness. Operating under the theme ‘Unite to Ignite – A Fire Safe India’, the initiative involved more than 1,500 participants, including BALCO employees, schoolchildren, and community members from nearby areas.
Throughout the week, BALCO rolled out a series of interactive programs to spread awareness about fire safety, ranging from drawing, quiz, and slogan competitions to live demonstrations, fire drills, and engaging Nukkad Natak (street plays). The campaign was designed to instill a proactive safety mindset not only within the plant premises but also across the larger Korba community.
The observance culminated in a felicitation ceremony recognizing individuals and teams within BALCO who made exceptional contributions to fire safety. Representatives from neighbouring industries, including NTPC and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), also joined the campaign, underlining the importance of regional collaboration in emergency preparedness.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, said, “Fire safety is a critical component of our operational resilience. Our commitment to a ‘Zero Harm’ vision is reflected in continuous investments in awareness, training, and robust response systems that protect lives and ensure business continuity.”
Mr. Paigambar Singh, Manager – Operations at IOCL, lauded BALCO’s leadership in safety practices, stating, “BALCO’s emphasis on emergency preparedness and collaborative safety training has significantly raised the standard of fire safety in the region.”
Key Highlights of BALCO’s Fire Safety Efforts in FY 2024–25:
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Responded to over 290 emergency incidents
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Conducted training sessions for 5,000+ individuals on fire extinguishing, CPR, and emergency techniques
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Carried out over 70 mock drills within the plant and surrounding areas
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Upgraded safety infrastructure, including sprinkler installations at BALCO Hospital and advanced alarm systems across operational units
BALCO’s Fire Department was recently honoured with the Platinum Award in the Metal & Power Division by Grow Care India Foundation, recognizing its excellence in fire safety and emergency response capabilities.
The successful observance of Fire Service Week reinforces BALCO’s steadfast commitment to workplace safety and community well-being, setting a benchmark for industrial safety practices in the region.
