DoT Activates Emergency Telecom Measures Amidst Flood Crisis
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is taking swift action to maintain essential communication services in disaster-stricken regions of Nagaland, Gujarat, and the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Following relentless heavy rains, landslides, and severe flooding, critical telecom infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, leading to widespread network outages and disrupted connectivity in these areas.
In an effort to support ongoing rescue and relief operations, the DoT has implemented emergency response measures in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)-2020 for Telecom Services during Disasters and the provisions of the Unified Licence. This activation includes significant measures in several districts.
Activation of ICR for Affected Areas
In Nagaland’s Longleng District, heavy rainfall and landslides have led to multiple Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) interruptions. In light of this situation, Longleng has become the second district in the state, following Mon, to receive Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) activation. Instructions have been issued to maintain ICR until 23:59 hours on July 27, 2026, or until further notice.
Similarly, in Gujarat’s Valsad district, the Dadra & Nagar Haveli district, and Daman, severe flooding has resulted in major node outages. The DoT has authorized the immediate activation of ICR in these regions, providing the same timeline for connectivity restoration.
Ensuring Connectivity and Utilization
The ICR activation allows mobile users, including those roaming in the impacted areas, to connect with any available network provider. This mechanism is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted communication for residents, emergency responders, healthcare workers, and disaster management teams as they navigate the challenges posed by the disaster.
The Department of Telecommunications is actively monitoring network conditions through its field units and collaborating closely with telecom service providers to expedite the full restoration of communication networks in the affected districts.
Understanding ICR
Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) is a telecom arrangement that enables mobile subscribers to connect to another operator’s network within the same telecom circle. This feature is particularly significant during natural disasters when local mobile services might be compromised.
To utilize ICR effectively, users should keep the “Automatic Network Selection” setting enabled on their phones. In the event that the automatic connection does not work, users can attempt to connect manually by going to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators and selecting an available network.
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