In a first of a kind in the region, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) in collaboration with Open Source Classes for Amateur Radio India (OSCAR INDIA) conducted a comprehensive mock drill using Amateur Radio technology to enhance alternative communication methods during emergencies. The exercise was held on 9th May 2024.
During a de-briefing held on Friday held at NSDMA Conference Hall, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, the Authority’s Joint CEO Johnny Ruangmei highlighted that NSDMA is one of the first State Disaster Management Authorities in the country to be entering into hands-on learning on this Amateur HAM Radio which is a popular hobby as well as a vital communication service that plays a crucial role in connecting people around the world.
He informed that a three days hands-on training was conducted from 24th to 26th April 2024 to equip its officers and staff so that they can attain HAM Radio operator licences, the exam for which will be conducted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under Ministry of Communications & Information Technology. He expressed confidence that the Authority will have licenced HAM Radio operators by end of August or early September.
— NAGALAND STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (@StateDisaster) May 7, 2024
Ruangmei apprised that during emergencies when no other system of communication is cut off, the licenced operators can broadcast news and information using the HAM Radio technology which can be received by citizens across the state on their radio sets.
He explained that in such an eventuality, district emergency operation centre can easily communicate with the State emergency operation centre will inform OSCAR INDIA network which will activate all its operators so that information can be even relayed outside the state.
The Joint CEO informed that while the first phase of the training was for 30 officers and staff who will be sitting for the exam, NSDMA aims to focus on school children in the second phase once its officers are more proficient in using the HAM Radio.
Responding to questions on the recent natural disasters that affected the Nagaland, Ruangmei said that extreme weather conditions has cost the State an estimated economic loss of Rs 180 crore.
