Tamil Nadu Atomic Research Centre conducts off-site mock drill

Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Oct 8 (ANI): The Madras Atomic Power Station conducted a mock drill at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu to prepare villagers around the site in case of any possible radiation leakage.

The drill was organised by the power station officials along with Kancheepuram district administration on Wednesday.

"We have stipulated the frequency for the offsite emergency exercise to bring the awareness in surrounding villages and to the district machinery what is to be done and what is not to be done in case of an emergency. We write the procedure and we have the offsite emergency manual prepared," said K Rama Murthy, director of the Madras Atomic Power Station.

The drill was conducted in the Manamai village near the atomic power station. As part of the exercise, the power station director messaged Kancheepuram district collector about the radiation leakage from the nuclear reactor.

After alerting other officials concerned, a team of fire service, medical personnel, police officials, revenue officials, transport officials, veterinary doctors arrived at the site.

The objective of the exercise was to check the preparedness of the district administration and the power station management to handle any emergency situation.

The nearby villages surrounding the power station, which can be affected by the leakage, were also alerted. They were asked to remain indoors with doors and windows shut.

In the second step, villagers and their cattle were medically examined. And finally the villagers were sanitised with water showers before they were transferred to a safer place. The emergency exercise disrupted the normal routine of the villagers, but they welcomed it.

"No accident should take place at Kalpakkam atomic station. However, in case of any emergence or any accident, this mock drill is useful in preparing us how to tackle a possible mishap and also how to take tablets and clean us from radiation," said Ghandhimathi, a villager.

The drill is conducted once in every two years. (ANI)