State pushes for ham radio operators in emergenciesPune dist collectorate and others to replicate Sindhudurg model of HAM radio operators

PUNE: The state disaster management centre has directed all district collectorates to have ham radio operators in place to ensure better communication system during emergency situations when conventional communication networks break down.
While the state government is yet to announce funds for the initiative, which will be rolled out before the end of this year, a letter has been sent to all collectorates in this regard, said state disaster management director Rajiv Nivatkar.
“The ham radios will be used during natural calamities like floods and earthquakes. Each collectorate will be given a set to help them coordinate during pilgrimages, cultural functions or even heavy traffic,’’said Nivatkar.
Instructions have been issued to all state governments by the National Disaster Management Authority. Collectorate officials have to select agencies and impart training to volunteers.
During incidents like Malin landslide or the floods in Mumbai, ham radios would ensure a better communication network. Ham radios are very useful in difficult terrains and in places where there is no cellphone network, a senior district official said.
The project has already been rolled out in Sindhudurg where the district administration has facilitated training of 20 people as ham radio operators. “The ham radios work like wireless sets and help in reaching out to a much wider area,” the official added.
State disaster management authorities feel that though government departments like police, irrigation and even collectorates, have wireless systems in place, integration was necessary, and, therefore, the need to appoint ham operators at different control rooms either at district or taluka level.
State government officials said there were at least 5,000 ham operators in the state, while the country can boast of nearly 50,000 users.