After Delhi gas leak, Syria ‘Sarin’, BMC to get Mumbai ready to tackle chemical, nuclear attacks

The current SOP needs to be strengthened in terms of liability and responsibilities in case of an emergency

After the recent Sarin gas attack in Syria and Delhi gas leak, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is reworking its standard operating procedure (SOP) to tackle chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attacks.

The current SOP needs to be strengthened in terms of liability and responsibilities in case of an emergency. (File)

According to officials, the current plans need to be strengthened in terms of assigning responsibilities and fixing liability in case of an emergency.

The plans included a details of how to respond to such attacks – from evacuation to providing quick treatment and organising shelters.

The BMC has already held meetings with representatives from government, private hospitals and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). It also held a workshop recently to test how its plans would work on the field.

IA Kundan, additional municipal commissioner in charge of the disaster management department, said, “Our plans for CBRN disasters need to be worked. We are constantly engaging with stakeholders to fix responsibilities.”

The BMC will also hold workshops for all departments on CBRN preparedness, civic officials said.