Pipalkoti, July 15, 2025: In a significant move to test and reinforce its emergency response systems, THDC India Limited on 15 July, 2025 conducted a multi-agency joint mock exercise at the Powerhouse Tunnel of its under-construction 444 MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP) in Pipalkoti, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
The exercise, held at around 11:10 AM, simulated a flood-like situation inside the tunnel, aiming to assess the effectiveness of the newly commissioned Early Flood Warning System (EFWS) and to evaluate the preparedness of various rescue and safety teams in the event of a real emergency.
The drill witnessed active participation from multiple agencies including CISF (25 personnel), NDRF (25), SDRF (7), DDRF (7), Local Police (2), THDC employees (15), and HCC (5). The safety and medical departments of the project were also actively involved.
During the exercise, workers operating inside the tunnel were evacuated through the Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) ADIT. Teams executed coordinated operations covering cordoning off the area, search, rescue, evacuation, and medical response. The functionality of the communication systems and safety equipment was thoroughly tested and found fully operational. The headcount system, maintained at the ADIT entry, was verified at the assembly point post-evacuation.
The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of senior officials including Shri Ajay Verma, Chief General Manager (Project), Shri P.S. Rawat, AGM (Powerhouse), and Shri B.S. Pundir, AGM (Planning & Safety). The event was coordinated by the Safety Department, with Sh. P.N. Mamgain (Deputy Manager, Safety) and Sh. Pankaj Bhatt (Field Officer, Safety) leading the efforts.
Following the successful drill, Shri Vishwanath Avuti, Deputy Commandant, CISF, addressed the participants and explained the objectives of the exercise. The NDRF team conducted a brief awareness session on primary rescue tools and first-response techniques.
This mock exercise comes close on the heels of the formal inauguration of the Command and Control Centre of the Early Flood Warning System (EFWS) by Shri Ajay Verma on July 9, 2025, a key milestone in enhancing safety infrastructure at VPHEP.
Statement by Shri Ajay Verma, Chief General Manager & Head of VPHEP:
“At THDC India Limited, the safety of our employees, workers, and all stakeholders is of paramount importance. This mock exercise is a testimony to our seriousness in ensuring that we are always prepared to respond effectively to any emergency situation. The commissioning of the Early Flood Warning System and today’s coordinated multi-agency drill reinforce our proactive approach toward building a resilient and secure work environment. We are continuously upgrading our safety protocols, infrastructure, and training to ensure that every individual working at the project site remains protected, informed, and empowered during any crisis. Safety is not just a compliance requirement for us—it is our culture, our responsibility, and our commitment.”
