NSDMA in collaboration with OSCAR India marked a technological breakthrough in disaster communication, successfully demonstrating wireless image transmission via radio signals without internet for the first time in Northeast India. This pioneering achievement was conducted during their second-phase training program for the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) from April 24-29, 2025, reinforcing their position as leaders in alternative communication technologies.
While OSCAR INDIA has conducted similar successful experiments across India, this demonstration holds special significance as the first-ever implementation in Northeast India's challenging terrain. The training program equipped NSDMA's District Project Associate (DPAs) with crucial skills including, practical Morse code applications, hands-on antenna construction workshops where they built antennas for amateur radio operation by themselves, also a comprehensive mock fire rescue drill utilizing amateur radio communications.
The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications lauded the effort of OSCAR INDIA by assigning the special call sign "AT2NE" - the first such designation for expedition in the field of amateur radio throughout the entire Kohima, Nagaland.
Nilkantha Chatterjee, Convenor of OSCARINDIA, emphasized, "This demonstration proves radio's vital role when modern networks fail. While we have conducted similar transmissions elsehere, bringing this capability to Northeast India's unique landscape is particularly rewarding. The 'AT2NE' call sign recognizes our commitment to advancing communication resilience nationwide."
Debriefing at NSDMA Conference Hall – The session was chaired by Rendemo Shitio, Assistant Manager (Response & Communication), NSDMA, with drill experiences shared by Khrolou Koza Lohe, Assistant Manager (Training & Education), NSDMA and Temsuwangshi Jamir, Assistant Manager (Research & Planning), NSDMA respectively followed by message from the Convenor of OSCARINDIA, Nilkantha Chatterjee.
The debriefing and closing remarks was delivered by Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer (Jt. CEO), NSDMA, where he stated “Professionals in Disaster Management should be involved on a mission mode and not as a professional career alone.” He stated that “NSDMA will work to harvest the communication capability of transfer image through voice frequency using HAM radio.”
(DIPR)