Timely response by NDRF prevented undue panic caused by radioactive 'leakage' at IGI

Timely response by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) played a cardinal role in suppressing undue panic created by the radioactive "leakage" at the Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Sunday.

The CISF officials on duty at the airport immediately intimated the NDRF control room about the suspected radioactive leakage out of a sanitised container from the consignment that came on an Air France plane last night.

Immediately one chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence team of the NDRF rushed to the spot and started sanitising the area.

Radiation level at varied distances from the source was marked and the suspect pickings were isolated.

The cargo complex was vacated as a preventive measure.

Teams of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) also reached there later. After thorough detection and identification of the material, it was declared safe for movement.

Earlier today, an alert was sounded after a leak from Air France aircraft was reported, followed by immediate evacuation of the area.

The presence of radioactive substance was later confirmed by Air France in its official statement

Seven fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the area was cordoned off.