Communication mock drill in Shimla, DC contacts 8 SDMs via satellite phone

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) conducted a communication mock drill in Shimla today. As part of the exercise, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap contacted all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) through a satellite phone from the control room.

Kashyap could establish a contact with the SDMs of Kotkhai, Kumarsain, Jubbal, Shimla (Urban), Shimla (Rural), Chopal, Theog and Rampur via the satellite phone but could not communicate with the Dodra Kwar SDM.

He said that that end result of the mock drill conducted to test satellite phone communication was satisfactory. He added that the BSNL management had been informed about the signal issue in the Dodra Kwar region so that the problem could be resolved.

Kashyap said, “Relief operations can face significant difficulties if communication through satellite phones fails in case of a disaster.” He added that such mock drills were conducted regularly to ensure that the field staff becomes proficient in operating satellite phones and could maintain proper communication. “Regular mock drills will be conducted in future so that the field staff does not face problems during disasters,” he claimed.