BALCO Strengthens Emergency Response Capabilities Through Fire Service Week Observance

Balconagar; 24st April 2026: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, observed National Fire Service Week with an awareness campaign under the theme ‘Safe school, safe hospital and fire safety aware society.’ The campaign focused on strengthening fire safety awareness, emergency preparedness, and proactive incident mitigation across BALCO’s operational areas and surrounding communities, engaging over 1100 participants including employees, business partners, school students, and community members.

The week-long observance sensitized participants through a series of engaging competitions such as quizzes, drawing, and slogan contests, highlighting the importance of fire safety practices. BALCO also conducted comprehensive safety training sessions, including live fire safety demonstrations and Nukkad Nataks (street plays), to reinforce a safety-first approach across diverse stakeholders.

The campaign concluded with the felicitation of individuals and teams from various departments for their contributions towards strengthening fire safety practices within the plant premises. The observance also witnessed participation from professionals of neighbouring industries in Korba, including representatives from NTPC Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), reflecting a collaborative approach towards regional safety preparedness.

Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director, BALCO, highlighted the importance of preparedness, stating, “Fire safety is a collective responsibility that demands continuous vigilance and preparedness. At BALCO, we are strengthening awareness, building capabilities, and institutionalising systems that enable swift and effective response. Through consistent engagement with our people and communities, we aim to create a resilient ecosystem that prioritises safety at every level of operation.”

Assistant Commandant Shivendra Kumar, (CISF) Fire Wing, from NTPC Korba, said, “Time and again, BALCO’s Fire Safety Team has demonstrated exceptional competence and composure in the face of emergencies. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Korba’s civic authorities, they have been a pillar of support whenever the city needed them most. Beyond emergency response, BALCO’s commitment to training communities and schools reflects a visionary leadership that prioritises preparedness and collective well-being. These efforts do not just protect lives and property; they strengthen the foundation of a safer and more resilient society.”

BALCO’s Fire and Safety team remains focused on safeguarding life and assets through continuous training and timely response. During the last financial year, the team has:

• Responded to over 200 emergency situations.
• Procured a Quick Response Vehicle (Toyota Hilux) to enable faster and more effective emergency response across BALCO.
• Conducted fire safety training for over 5500 individuals, focusing on fire extinguisher usage, CPR practices, and emergency response techniques.
• Executed more than 100 mock drills across plant and peripheral areas to ensure readiness for fire-related incidents.
• Strengthened fire safety infrastructure by installing sprinkler systems in BALCO Hospital and deploying over 400 multi sensors and advanced fire alarm systems across operational zones for faster response.

Additionally, recognising its consistent commitment, BALCO’s Fire Department was conferred with the Platinum Award for Excellence in Fire & Safety in the Metal & Power Division by Grow Care India for FY’26, acknowledging its excellence in fire safety and emergency preparedness.