Kathmandu, November 3 (Kartik 17) A delegation of executive members led by Mr. Nabin Kumar Poudel (9N2NK), President of the Nepal Amateur Radio Club (NARC), held a meeting today with Dr. Dharma Raj Uprety, Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

During the meeting held at the Executive Chief's office, detailed discussions were held on alternative emergency communication systems that can be utilized during crises such as complex geographical terrains, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) caused by climate change, floods, landslides, and mega-disasters when mobile and internet networks suffer a complete telecom collapse.

In the course of the meeting, NARC President Nabin Kumar Poudel pointed out that Amateur (Ham) radio technology is the sole reliable and autonomous medium to prevent disruptions in rescue operations caused by communication blackouts during disasters. Furthermore, emphasizing practices in developed nations (such as ARRL, RSGB, and JARL), he stressed the need to create an environment for officially deploying trained NARC Ham operators to avert communication isolation during national disasters in Nepal.

During the discussion, NARC put forward the following key points for strengthening disaster communication:

  • Technical Consultancy and Coordination: NARC will provide free technical consultancy to local levels for selecting the right technology while procuring radio equipment for disasters.

  • Communication Security and Training: Conducting training sessions on radio operation, frequency management, and primary maintenance for municipal police and rescue volunteers.

  • National Emergency Communication Protocol: Granting legal recognition to Ham operators as 'First Communications Responders' during disasters and enhancing emergency communication mock drills in collaboration with the Authority along with the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police.

Executive Chief Dr. Dharma Raj Uprety praised the importance of the alternative, off-grid Ham radio technology and its voluntary role in a mountainous country like Nepal. Additionally, he gave positive indications that the Authority will advance necessary policy collaboration and coordination to further strengthen disaster preparedness and the emergency communication network.