VASCO: A four-day basic training course on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear emergency management for seaport emergency handlers commenced on Tuesday morning.
Sandeep Poundrik, joint secretary NDMA, the main speaker, said that this course is important and it will give knowledge to seaport handlers to tackle unseen and unknown CBRN related emergencies. Fifty cities in India has been chosen for such training program.
Deputy Conservator of MPT, Captain Manoj Joshi spoke, on the course training. National Disaster Management authority, tackles the natural disaster and disaster related uncertainties. This course will make you capable to tackle such emergency situations. Sea port related operations such as handling of important and various cargos to handle properly at the port.
Chairman of Mormugao Port Trust Dr E Ramesh Kumar in his address said it is a program designed to meet the challenges of evolving times. Times have changed, situations are emerging and evolving, at times it becomes complicated and to combat these we need to learn to tackle these challenges. This course is to prepare us to face such eventualities.
He further added that it is a very composite program course which has been designed. I feel there would be an inclusion of mock drills, practices participation than theoretical part so that participants can take home good experience. I am also happy to know that port users have been volunteered to join this course” chairman added.
[This course will help participants to tackle uncertainties in scientific way, Chairman concluded.
Poundrik said, the reason to have this course is to tackle, radiological, chemical, biological and uncertainties related to unknown non state players. It will help people working in the port to respond to chemical, biological, radiological etc emergencies.
He informed participants will be given theoretical as well as practical training via mock drills.
Later during interaction with reporters, Poundrik revealed that they are organising training for Indian police from sub-inspector to higher level for handling radiological emergencies. “So far, 50 cities in India have been chosen and in near future additional cities will be included for training so that the local police can handle a situation in case of any suspicious substance, radioactive material found,” he added.
Sushil Kumar, senior veteran scientist from Bhabha Atomic Centre gave introductory talk on this topic.
He said he is looking after the seaport related emergencies. Such courses have been given to the various ports in India. This is important course as it involves various agencies which will touch on various topics which are related to port emergency situations.
