To check safety standards and preparedness for any emergency at the airport, a full-scale emergency exercise was conducted at Rupsi Airport, Assam on 11 May 2022.
The exercise was to simulate an aircraft accident within the Airport premises. It involved coordination among various agencies, including Rupsi Airport Rescue and Fire Fighters, District Administration, State Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Health authorities of Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam.
It is a regulatory requirement to carry out a Full-Scale Emergency Exercise every two years at the Airport. Rupsi Airport started its operations on 08 May 2021 and this was the first such exercise here. These exercises are conducted to test the preparedness of the airport to deal with emergency situations.
Shri Hemang Arora, Officer In-charge, Rupsi Airport informed us that this was the first full-scale drill at Rupsi Airport which had the participation of our employees and stakeholders. We are committed to the safety and security of our passengers. We conduct drills on regular basis to keep the airport staff ready to handle emergency situations, he added.
This was the first instance when state authorities also took part in the mock drill. In handling an accident situation, it is recommended to have a response time of 2-3 mins and Rupsi Rescue and Fire Fighting team were able to achieve a response time of less than 2 minutes. Shri Arora further said that safety and security is the collective responsibility of Airport employees, working staff, stakeholder members and state administration. He expressed his gratitude to the district administration for their support and their participation.
Deputy Commissioner of Kokrajhar, Ms. Varnamali Deka, IAS; Deputy Commissioner of Dhubri Mr Anbamuthan M P, IAS; ADC Kokarajhar Mr. S.A Bora; ACS and Addl SP, Kokrajhar Mr. Lamhao Doungekl, APS were also present at the airport to witness and take part in the exercise.
Shri Arora informed that different aspects of the drill will be reviewed and corrective action will be taken for the shortcomings if any.
The drill was conducted keeping in view that it did not affect the general flight movement and the passengers at the airport.