RNPP conducts full-scale emergency, fire drill

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) has successfully conducted a full-scale emergency and fire drill on Thursday as part of its Emergency Preparedness Programme.

The exercise was designed to evaluate the plant’s capability to respond effectively to a simulated emergency, strengthen coordination among all responding organisations, and verify the readiness of emergency personnel, equipment, communication systems, and decision-making procedures.

Confirming the successful completion of the drill, Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) Deputy Chief Superintendent S.M. Mahmud Arafat said the exercise assessed various aspects of the plant’s emergency preparedness system, including emergency classification, activation of the Emergency Control Centre, technical assessment capability, radiation impact evaluation, emergency communication, implementation of protective measures, inter-agency coordination, and overall emergency management. He said the drill was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Md. Zahedul Hasan, Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL).

From the Emergency Control Centre, Dr. Hasan supervised and directed the activities of the Plant Emergency Response Organisation.

Under his leadership, the emergency response was carried out in a timely, well-coordinated, and systematic manner, demonstrating effective leadership, efficient resource management, sound technical decision-making, and close cooperation among all participating organizations.

The exercise was observed by representatives from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA), its technical support organisation, VO-Safety, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), the National Crisis Centre (NCC), CREA, the district administration, law enforcement agencies, Fire Service and Civil Defence, healthcare institutions, and other government organizations. A delegation of nuclear experts from Moscow also attended as observers.

During the drill, a simulated emergency scenario was created, prompting the activation of the Plant Emergency Response Organisation.

Following the declaration of the emergency, the Emergency Control Centre became fully operational, and all designated response teams carried out their assigned responsibilities in accordance with the approved emergency plan.

Throughout the exercise, plant specialists continuously monitored the plant’s status and assessed the progress of the simulated incident.

Technical teams analyzed key operating parameters, monitored radiation levels, identified potential radiation sources, evaluated weather conditions, assessed atmospheric dispersion, estimated possible radiation doses, and evaluated the potential impact on plant personnel and nearby communities. Based on these assessments, the emergency management team implemented appropriate protective measures in line with established emergency procedures.

The drill also evaluated the effectiveness of communication and information exchange among the power plant, the regulatory authority, national emergency management organisations, and local response agencies. Emergency notifications, situation reports, coordination meetings, and decision-making processes were carried out efficiently, demonstrating the effectiveness of the existing communication and coordination framework.

Dr. Md Zahedul Hasan said, “Today’s successful Emergency and Fire Drill marks an important milestone in further strengthening the emergency preparedness of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant. It demonstrates the plant’s high level of preparedness, technical competence, effective leadership, and strong coordination among national and local emergency response organisations.”

He added, “One of the primary objectives of the exercise was to verify the ability of different organisations to operate under an integrated command structure. All participating organizations performed their assigned responsibilities professionally, demonstrating excellent coordination and cooperation.

The participation of national agencies, the regulatory authority, the local administration, emergency service providers, and technical support organizations made the exercise more realistic and effective.”
Following the exercise, BAERA and its technical support organisation, VO-Safety, conducted a comprehensive review of the drill. They raised no significant observations or adverse comments, confirming that the exercise met the required regulatory standards and successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the emergency preparedness programme.

The participation of nuclear experts from Moscow also provided an important opportunity for international observation, professional cooperation, and the exchange of technical experience, contributing to the continuous improvement of the emergency preparedness system at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

Dr. Hasan reaffirmed that NPCBL remains fully committed to ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety in compliance with national regulations and internationally recognised safety standards.

Through regular emergency drills, continuous training, and close cooperation with the regulatory authority and other stakeholders, NPCBL will continue to ensure the safety of plant personnel, the public, and the environment throughout the operation of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.