Punjab Newsline, Shimla, June 18-
A communication mock drill was held across Himachal Pradesh here today to assess the response and readiness of various communication channels in case of an emergency due to any disaster. The Communication and Technical Services (CDS) of Police Department, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, department of Technology, state dam authorities and various telecom service providers of the state participated in the simulated exercise organised by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
The VSATs and I-SATs were used for effective communication during the drill. Acting on the emergency, the CTS installed the portable Flyway Terminal VSAT within half an hour which was then used for audio and video communication with police stations across the state. Similarly, I-SATs were also used for effective and unhindered communication across the state to ensure disaster-response readiness whenever required. The CTS has 76 Flyway Terminal VSAT and 36 I-SAT with them for emergency communication positioned at various places across the state. The SDMA has 31 I-SATs and the SDRF has seven I-SATs dedicated for emergency situations.
Director-cum-Special Secretary, Revenue D.C. Rana said an effective communication system was greatly helpful in providing relief during a disaster. He said that an effective response to any disaster situation depends upon the accuracy and timeliness of information. The communication mock drill was conducted to evaluate the communication response and response time to a disaster like landslides, floods, excessive rain or snow, thunderstorm, etc., besides identifying our own capabilities and co-ordination.
Earlier, a virtual meeting, chaired by D.C. Rana, was also held in which the functional details about the communication equipment like VSATs and I-SATs were discussed. The equipment providers gave details regarding how to use the equipment for best outcomes and also regarding maintenance of the equipment. The Do's and Don'ts regarding the communication equipment were also shared during the meeting.
DSP (CTS) Kamal Kishore, SDO (Civil) Bharmour, SDM Sangrah and Nahan, representatives of NDRF, SDRF and ITBP, Safety Head of various dams, representatives of District Dam Management Authorities and representatives of various departments of all the districts were virtually present in the meeting.