GAIL (India) Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking of the Government of India, manages a vast natural gas infrastructure, including gas processing plants and a network of around 20,000 kilometres of cross-country natural gas pipelines. In Madhya Pradesh, the Khera Compressor Station in Chikli, Ujjain, oversees the operation and maintenance of approximately 778 kilometres of natural gas pipelines that span several districts, including Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Dhar, Shajapur, Rajgarh, Agar, and Ratlam.
In collaboration with the Ujjain District Administration, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and mutual aid partners, GAIL (India) Limited conducted a comprehensive mock drill on Friday. The primary aim of the drill was to evaluate the efficiency, coordination, and preparedness of the GAIL and district administration teams in responding to emergency situations, while enhancing the emergency preparedness systems.
The mock drill simulated a massive gas leak followed by a fire and explosion on the 36-inch HVJ (Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur) natural gas pipeline at Chainage No. 467.529 km, near Rupakhedi village on the Rupakhedi to Tarana Road in Ujjain. The simulated scenario involved an accidental puncture of the pipeline during piling operations by a third-party tractor-operated auger machine, which caused a significant gas leak, fire, and explosion.
During the exercise, emergency response teams effectively managed gas leakage control, traffic regulation, rescue operations, and evacuation of affected residents. They relocated the affected individuals to relief camps, showcasing excellent coordination between various agencies, including GAIL Khera Compressor Station – Chikli, the Ujjain District Administration, the SDOP Tarana team, the Deputy Director of Industrial Health and Safety – Ujjain, SDRF (Home Guard), fire services from Tarana and Makdon tehsils, District Disaster Management Centre, police personnel, district medical services, and mutual aid partners like GAIL Gas and IOCL-BP, Ghatia. Fire tenders from GAIL Khera, Tarana Municipal Council, and Makdon were deployed to handle the emergency.
Avinash Bauskar, General Manager and Officer-in-Charge of GAIL Khera, Ujjain, led the mock drill, with the SDOP of Tarana and the SDRF Platoon Commandant supervising the operations. The drill was conducted efficiently under their leadership.
Following the exercise, a debriefing session took place at the site, where all key stakeholders discussed the positive outcomes and identified areas for improvement. As part of the road safety awareness initiative, GAIL distributed crash helmets to two-wheeler riders from nearby villages, with the SDOP Tarana and the Deputy Director of Industrial Health and Safety, Ujjain, as chief guests.