Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), in collaboration with Open Source Classes for Amateur Radio India (OSCAR India), conducted a comprehensive mock drill utilising amateur radio technology to bolster communication capabilities during emergency situations.
Disclosing this to the media to media persons at NSDMA conference hallhere on Friday, NSDMA joint chief executive officer (CEO) Johnny Ruangmei said that with this initiative, Nagaland had become one of the first states in the country towards reinforcing disaster communication capabilities.
He termed the event a significant milestone as this was the first-of-its-kind exercise in the Northeast to test and enhance alternative communication methods during emergencies.
He pointed out that when natural calamities such as earthquakes occurred, the present global system for mobile communications (GSM) used on a daily basis would be affected, leaving the people unable to communicate in any way. In such a situation, he said alternative communication systems like amateur radio, commonly known as ham radio would be a vital communication mode.
Recognizing the critical role of amateur radio in disaster response, Ruangmei said that the NSDMA had collaborated with OSCAR India, an initiative of All India School of Management and Information Technology (AISMIT), to conduct an innovative drill. This partnership aimed to showcase the resilience and effectiveness of amateur radio in providing reliable communication channels during times of need, highlighting its role beyond being merely a hobby.
The objective of the exercise was to establish robust communication channels that remained accessible even in areas where conventional networks could be disrupted. This was achieved by leveraging the expertise of amateur radio operators and the educational resources provided by OSCAR India.
The joint effort of NSDMA and OSCAR India further aimed at strengthening communities’ and emergency responders’ ability to coordinate and respond effectively during disasters. This initiative emphasized the importance of utilizing diverse technologies to build resilient disaster management systems.
During the mock drill at Dzülekie, where cellular service was unavailable, the team set up a ham radio network and successfully communicated with operators at the control room within three hours.
He mentioned that OSCAR India had been involved in almost all major disasters in and around the country, including Nepal during the earthquake, where they provided critical communication support and assisted in channelizing necessary help to the affected areas.
He stated that the NSDMA conducted hands-on training from April 26 to 28 with the objective of building operators and subsequently producing license holders who would be proficient in operating ham radios. As the Ministry of Telecommunication was expected to hold exams for such operators later this year, he said the NSDMA wanted to prepare candidates who would be ready to qualify.
He revealed that in all previous earthquake mock drills, one of the major challenges faced by first responders was disseminating and sharing information. He expressed confidence that with ham radio operators readily available, this issue would be addressed in the next mock drill scheduled for this year.
“In case of an emergency, our operators will issue designated call signs that will be broadcast through ham radio and will be able to communicate not just within the state but even outside. They will be able to tune into our channel, which will be handled by licensed operators,” he maintained.
He disclosed that 30 individuals had already undergone the training and would be ready to sit for the upcoming exam. Out of this group, he expected to have a good number of license holders who would be able to set up communication as and when required during emergency situations.
He said a nominal fee of Rs 50 would be charged for a year, which would be paid to the Ministry of Telecommunications.
He informed that the NSDMA aimed to involve school students so they could learn the basics and be prepared for any eventuality. Referring to recent disasters in the state, the joint CEO said the first wave of monsoon had hit the Tening and Ahtibung areas, resulting in the destruction of roads.
He mentioned that although the exact cost of damages incurred could be around Rs 4.8 crore, the overall economic losses could amount to Rs 50 crore. He stated that the department was conducting a proper and detailed assessment to ensure all damages were accounted for.
He revealed that torrential rain and hailstones lashed Shamator for around five hours, resulting in losses valued at more than Rs 180 crore. Many roads and bridges were destroyed, and some people were trapped for several hours as the rain washed away connecting roads. He stressed the need for comprehensive disaster risk reduction construction plans while building new houses, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Ruangmei pointed out that the newly-built medical college was one of the prime examples where disaster risk reduction was thoroughly taken into account during construction. He stated that the NSDMA had been part of a special task force revising the old Nagaland building by-laws and had formulated new ones to monitor constructions.
Chairman of IT & Communication AISMTI Nikantha Chaterjee, and assistant manager (Media & PR) NSDMA Keren Rose Koza were also present at the press meet.