World Communication Day is 16th May. There are
amateur wireless operators who are operating there systems 24x7. These
operators give yeomen services to mankind specially during natural disasters. In India, the National Disaster Policy does not include such operators
in their disaster mitigation as per the 2005 Policy. The matter was discussed during
the Indian national Disaster Congress of 2006. During the Tsunami of 2004
Andaman & Nicobar Islands were cut off from the world, it was the Amateur
wireless operators who were temporally operating there they
contacted the World first time.
An Indian who was there in December 2004 was
asking a media person based at Port Blair regarding their alternative
communication system in case of a natural disaster (it was before Tsunami). He
was not aware of such a condition. There was no permanent functional amateur
wireless station at Andaman & Nicobar in 2004. But the various VHF/HF sets
in operation by various agencies never thought that they may be functional
after this disaster if they had an alternative plan.
Hut Bay, an Iceland of Andaman & Nicobar https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zznfq56_OCXg.kV881f9TT5QA
This Iceland was detached for a few days during the tsunami, 2004. I understand Bharat Sevashram Sangha of Port Blair went first to
relief to this Iceland after this Tsunami.I had visited this Iceland after the
Tsunami, the SBI Branch was much affected by this disaster, the branch and staff
accommodation were at ground level and the distance is from sea line in normal
condition is only 550 meters. These premises has been repaired but still at the
same location and even at the same floor. It is difficult to understand why
they have not shifted to an alternative safe place. The business area is
shifting to higher ground.
I had an opportunity to discuss with the police
personnel why there VHF set they could not shift to alternative places to
communicate outside the Hut Bay? They have never thought of such a situation. I
am not sure are they equip in present day? The authority of the Governments
may think satellite phones may be the answer to such situations. My question is
this service is free? Amateur wireless operators give service free of charge
as a volunteer. Are we not welcome and salute them?
17th May 2015
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