Port Blair, Jan 09: ANMF requested LG to direct concerned authorities to make a “SOP” for dissemination of correct information at the time of any crisis or disaster by involving all local media (including private media), to stop spreading of rumour and panic during the time of any disaster.
In a letter addressed to Lt. Governor, A&N Island, Raj Niwas Mr. K Ganeshan, President, ANMF said that the cyclone ‘Pabuk’ has crossed Andaman and Nicobar Islands without causing much destruction. The Andaman and Nicobar Media Federation (ANMF) have hailed the relief work by the local administration. “It is equally pleasing to note that official mechanism were on alert and well prepared this time,” said Mr. Ganeshan but pointed out that members of ANMF are deeply disappointed to see that the Administration did not involve local media in the process of disseminating information regarding ‘Pabuk Cyclone’. Local Private Media only information was via some press releases, which are not enough to answer queries raised by panic Islanders.
He said that there was neither any Press Briefing nor arrangements for media persons of Private Media to collect any info/ update from Administration regarding ‘Pabuk Cyclone’.
He further added that disaster dissemination of correct information is the key in saving many lives but sadly in Andaman dissemination of information means giving updates to only Government media. It is a general practice in other parts of the country, to keep the media informed about the actions of the concern agencies as media plays a vital role in bringing to the knowledge the suffering and pain of the people and disseminate correct information to the people particularly to the victim of the disaster.
