Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, Dec 12: It has been a known fact that local unit of All India Radio (AIR) played a pivotal role in disseminating information whenever disaster strikes these Islands.
AIR had proved its mettle during Tsunami 2014, when it continued unhindered transmission for seventeen days at a trot. During those days AIR was instrumental in saving many lives by informing the people of remote Islands about arrival and departure of rescue vessels, and vessels with relief materials.
Until AIR started its continued broadcast, it was believed by people of Nicobar group that even Port Blair had sunk leaving little hope for their survival.
However officers of AIR was not commended after Tsunami for their tireless effort in keeping the people informed and acting as a bridge between local Administration and people in distress.
This time around, local AIR rose to the occasion and provided regular updates provided by DC (SA). This made the people aware about the severity of the cyclone.
As per information, AIR was not provided with adequate information by Disaster Management Department to disseminate them to the public. But still they managed to keep the people informed with whatever little they could gather through DC (SA) and poking control room numbers regularly.
As per information, the News Wing and Programme Wing of AIR with the support of Engineering Wing tried their level best to gather as much information as possible to make the people comfortable in time of disaster. News unit with its two bulletins in the morning and evening, and Porgramme Wing with half hourly updates all through the day and night cautioned the people about the cyclone.
However, when it came to patting the back, the Administration pats its own back and that of ANC. With the continued neglect and humiliation, it has to be seen what role AIR plays during such calamities in the future.
