Sheekha Bureau
Port Blair, June 01: The All India Radio, Port Blair played pivotal role in relief works during the time of Tsunami in 2004 by passing crucial information even to the remotest corners of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was the only source of information in those days of calamity.
It acted as a bridge between Administration and those, who were stranded in remote islands. Now this Station is going to celebrate its foundation day tomorrow but sadly even today the AIR Port Blair was not given due importance by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
Today AIR Port Blair acts as a source of information and entertainment but its coverage have reduced considerably. Even though it is operating on 100KW power, it does not reach most parts if NM Andaman. It is known to the administration as well but nothing has been done to set things in order.
In this scenario if disaster strikes today, the loss of life would be much more as those without radio coverage will be left alone with no timely information about rescue and search mission.
Irony is that even after 13 years of Tsunami the Station Director of AIR is not part of the core group on Disaster management. Still there is no ‘Hotline ‘ between Station Director and Director of Disaster Management.
It is known to everyone that if power and Telephone line snaps immediately during major earthquake, in such a scenario how will the administration keep people updated?
As of now local residents should pray for local AIR to continue its dedicated work with full coverage to even, the remotest corner.
Administrator needs to step in to ensure that there is a Hotline operational between Disaster Management Department and AIR so that the correct communication reaches the people.
Else it will be field day for gossip mongers during each disaster. Let the 55 Foundation day of AIR Port Blair, be a fresh beginning.
