To provide this reliable mode of communication, the Amateur Radio Society of India and the Indian Red Cross Society have joined hands to establish a radio hotline here on Wednesday. It was inaugurated by Governor of Karnataka, H R Bhardwaj in the premises of the Red Cross Society here.
K N Rajaram, Secretary of Amateur Radio Society said the need of amateur radio during the crucial golden hour is invaluable in rescue missions.
“When regular means of communication fail, either due to infrastructure failure or burden on existing facilities, amateur radio which works on battery power can provide with the needed vital link, until other communication links are restored,” said Rajaram.
According to the society, radio operators in the country have provided communication links during the Indian Ocean tsunami, Latur earthquake, Koyna dam disaster and during numerous floods and hurricanes, in the past.
The facility installed at the station includes, high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) radios and antennae that can be used for local, as well as long distance communications. The station can be contacted at call sign VU2ZH, allotted by the Ministry of Communication, Government of India.
However, the inaugural ceremony was conspicuous by the absence of Minister for Health and Family Welfare B Sreeramulu, now known for his absenteeism at health-related public functions. None of the officials from the health department attended the function.