Strengthening India’s Telecom Resilience Against Disasters
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the resilience of India’s telecom sector. In collaboration with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the DoT launched a comprehensive report on the Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF). This initiative aims to fortify the telecom infrastructure against various disasters, ensuring seamless connectivity during emergencies. The report is part of a broader study focusing on disaster risks and resilience strategies tailored for the telecom sector across five states: Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat. The study involved extensive coordination with state governments, telecom service providers, and infrastructure providers to gather essential data.
Importance of Telecom Resilience
In the inaugural session, Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of Telecom and Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission (DCC), emphasized the national priority of building telecom resilience. He reiterated the DoT’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity before, during, and after disasters. This aligns with the United Nations’ initiative, “Early Warning For All by 2027.” Dr. Mittal called for coordinated actions among government agencies, telecom operators, and disaster management bodies. The goal is to ensure that India’s telecom infrastructure remains robust in the face of natural calamities.
The telecom sector plays a crucial role in disaster response and recovery. It facilitates communication, which is vital for coordinating rescue operations and providing timely information to affected populations. A resilient telecom network can significantly enhance the effectiveness of disaster management efforts, ultimately saving lives and reducing economic losses.
Insights from the CDRI Study
Amit Prothi, Director General of CDRI, highlighted the telecom sector’s substantial contribution to India’s GDP. He pointed out that resilient telecom networks are essential for economic growth, disaster response, and maintaining connectivity. The CDRI study provides a scalable model, actionable insights, and global best practices for resilient communication services.
The study conducted a multi-hazard risk assessment across 0.77 million telecom towers, mapping risks from floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and other disasters. A disaster risk and resilience index was developed to evaluate the vulnerability of telecom infrastructure based on disaster intensity, frequency, and impact. The report outlines key recommendations aimed at strengthening the sector’s resilience and preparedness in the face of disasters. These recommendations emphasize a multi-faceted approach, combining technical enhancements, governance reforms, financial investments, and stakeholder collaboration.
Strategic Initiatives for Disaster Preparedness
The DoT has proactively implemented several strategic initiatives to enhance disaster preparedness and telecom resilience. These initiatives include real-time coordination with local service areas, state governments, and telecom operators for rapid disaster response. Additionally, the nationwide implementation of an indigenous Cell Broadcast System for emergency alerts is underway.
The deployment of Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) networks, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, is another critical step. The DoT is also strengthening regulatory support for telecom operators to ensure quick restoration of services after disasters. Furthermore, promoting satellite-based communication and High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) will help maintain connectivity in disaster-hit regions.
The study’s recommendations focus on enhancing technical planning and design to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure can withstand disaster impacts. Developing a robust multi-hazard information repository will enable data-driven risk management. Implementing risk-informed governance will integrate disaster resilience into sectoral policies, while establishing a cross-sectoral framework will drive stakeholder collaboration and coordinated response mechanisms.
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