BMC’s HAM radio, but no operators

The disaster management cell would not be able to save Mumbai if the mobile networks get jammed in the city.

To strengthen their communication system in case of emergencies, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had established HAM radio stations at their headquarters and the administrative ward. But there is no one to operate them.

 The BMC had mooted to send 40 disaster control operators for free HAM training, but the six-month course has come to an abrupt end, with lakhs of rupees being wasted.

“The course is very technical. It is part of the radio engineering which takes two years to be taught. The same training is being imparted to us in span of six months. It is impossible for us to grasp it,” said an official from the disaster cell on condition of anonymity.