Government to Promote HAM Radio as Alternate Communication Tool in Emergencies

Government to Promote HAM Radio as Alternate Communication Tool in Emergencies

The state government has recognized the need for an alternate means of communication during emergencies and disasters, particularly when traditional infrastructure like phone lines and internet services are disrupted. To address this concern, the government has decided to promote HAM radio as an effective tool for alternate communication during emergencies.

Under this initiative, the government plans to create at least one HAM radio volunteer in each sub-division of the state. These volunteers will serve as a vital link in establishing an alternate communication channel in case of any disaster or emergency, connecting with emergency operation centers at the state level and all district emergency operation centers.

To ensure the effectiveness of this program, HAM volunteers will be registered and granted licenses for the operation of HAM radios in accordance with the established norms. The state government will provide financial assistance to the volunteers for purchasing the necessary equipment, covering 80% of the cost. The government will also help in setting up new HAM radio clubs in educational institutions, strengthen the existing HAM radio clubs, and impart training to the volunteers.

The Chief Minister remarked that HAM radio is of utmost importance in emergency communications, as it becomes a lifeline when wire lines, cell phones, and other conventional means of communications fail. It can cover long distances, allowing emergency responders to coordinate efforts effectively in response to emergency situations. It ensures that vital information can be transmitted even when other communication methods falter, potentially saving valuable lives and bolstering emergency response efforts.

The promotion of HAM radio as an alternate means of communication is expected to be invaluable, particularly during the monsoon and winter seasons when several areas, including Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Kinnaur districts, experience communication system failure. The state government has taken the decisive step to promote HAM radio as a key tool for emergency communication in the face of challenging times.