In a significant move towards enhancing disaster preparedness and emergency communication capabilities, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has collaborated with Open-Source Classes for Amateur Radio India (OSCAR India) to conduct a comprehensive four-day workshop from 3rd June to 6th June 2024. This initiative is aimed at equipping NSDMA officials with the skills needed to establish reliable communication channels during emergencies using amateur radio which is also known as HAM Radio, the NSDMA informed in a press release.

The workshop underscored the importance of amateur radio as a vital tool in disaster management, especially when conventional communication networks fail. During the programme, participants received hands-on training in building and operating Yagi-Uda antennas, a crucial component for effective amateur radio communication. Under the expert guidance of OSCAR India, officials were also trained to design and develop these antennas themselves, fostering self-reliance and innovation essential for setting up emergency communication networks during critical situations.

Highlighting the significance of this event, Onkar Nath Yadav, IRRS, Deputy Wireless Adviser at the Government of India, also a passionate amateur radio enthusiast with the callsign VU3OOO, graced the occasion. His lecture, titled “Ham Radio: A Communication Lifeline During Disaster,” provided valuable insights into the pivotal role of Amateur Radio in maintaining communication during disasters. He emphasized that HAM Radio serves as a powerful tool when all other communication systems are compromised, underscoring its critical importance in emergency preparedness. Additionally, Yadav provided practical training on designing and developing Yagi-Uda antennas, which were then built and tested by NSDMA officials to ensure functionality.

The workshop also featured the participation of OSCAR INDIA Team under the All India School of Management and Information Technology (AISMIT). This collaboration aimed to boost the officials’ understanding and practical skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to establish effective communication links and networks during emergencies.

The detailed schedule of the workshop included the introduction to Yagi Antennas: Theory and design principles, advantages for directional communication, and comparison with other types, understanding 3-Element Yagi Design, Explanation of the elements (reflector, driven element, directors) and factors affecting performance, Hands-on Antenna Building: Guided instructions on assembling a 3-element Yagi antenna, with demonstrations of proper techniques for cutting, bending, and connecting elements, Antenna Testing and Tuning: Introduction to testing equipment (SWR meter) and advanced tuning techniques, Hands-on Testing: Practical sessions on testing and tuning the built antennas, with troubleshooting guidance, Deployment and Applications: Proper deployment considerations and utilizing the Yagi antenna for long-distance communication in disaster scenarios.

During the practical sessions, NSDMA officials were divided into two groups: one group stayed at the secretariat office with their self-designed antenna system, while the other group went to the emergency operation centre with the Yagi antenna they developed. Successful communication between the two groups confirmed the antennas’ effectiveness, ensuring the officials’ preparedness for real-life emergency scenarios.

Stating that this workshop marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of NSDMA and OSCAR India, the Authority said that by empowering officials with the knowledge and skills to build and operate antennas, the program ensures that Nagaland is better equipped to handle emergencies, fostering a culture of homebrew technology and resilience in disaster management.

About Amateur Radio (also known as HAM Radio)

Amateur radio is a popular hobby involving the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial purposes. HAM radio operators communicate using designated radio frequencies, engaging in diverse activities like contests, emergency communication support, experimentation, technical learning, and community engagement. The hobby offers a unique blend of technical learning, community engagement, and global connectivity through radio waves, emphasizing innovation and service.

About OSCAR INDIA (Open-Source Class for Amateur Radio INDIA)

OSCAR INDIA (Open-Source Class for Amateur Radio INDIA) is a PAN-India initiative under AISMIT, dedicated to promoting amateur radio and Science, Tech, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education. Over 8 years, OSCAR INDIA has expanded to more than 20 states, training over 1,400 students and building a diverse network of learners and mentors. Utilizing platforms like Google Meet and a YouTube channel with 105,000+ viewers, OSCAR INDIA offers free, open-source online classes, interactive sessions, and updates for Amateur Radio. The organization also hosts nationwide Radio Sports events and runs awareness programs to empower young ladies (YLs) in radio communication and STEM, aiming to inspire a new generation of amateur radio enthusiasts in India.

About NSDMA:

Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) was constituted through notification NO.DM&RR/SDMA/MTG-2011 (Pt) dated November 22, 2011. The NSDMA, chaired by the Chief Minister and comprising various state ministers and senior officials, aims to adopt a holistic approach to disaster management. With support from the GoI-UNDP DRR project, the NSDMA began its operations in 2011, establishing its organizational structure with the recruitment of key officers and technical staff. The NSDMA Secretariat is overseen by the Home Commissioner as the Chief Executive Officer and a Secretary at the administrative level, along with officers from various line departments and contractual technical staff. At the district level, the DDMAs are led by Deputy Commissioners, supported by District Disaster Management Officers and District Project Associates, ensuring comprehensive disaster management across Nagaland.