Bangalore's hams geared up to support relief ops

The city-based Indian Institute of Hams has volunteered to provide an effective mode of communication and ensure smooth relief operations in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand.

First team consisting of five members (Ham Action Force) with required number of ham equipment are ready for voluntary services. “Government agencies or NGOs who need services can contact us immediately. We have also contacted infrastructure and information minister Santosh Lad, who has been deputed by the state government to oversee rescue operations in Uttarakhand. We are looking out for agencies that can provide logistics for our movement to and from Uttarakhand,” S Sathyapal, director, Indian Institute of Hams, told dna.

“Deployment of hams and its network will definitely help the authorities concerned and victim-pilgrims for establishing second line of communication, having its network throughout country. However, deployment of hams without proper concern from relief agencies will not have proper logistics nor recognition stance from this institute. If government agencies or NGOs can provide us logistical support, we can step in” he added.

Three teams consisting of two ham operators are ready with their sophisticated radio equipment. This team includes two doctors too. “All these ham officials are experienced and have volunteered for Gujarat earthquake and tsunami relief operations. We are also making arrangements to form further teams depending upon the response from the relief agencies,” said Sathyapal.