Bengaluru: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has given satellite phones to two DCs of the state i.e. Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada.
According to the sources in the state revenue department (disaster management), these phones are given to these two DCs as part of the national strategy on handling natural disasters.
“These two districts are near the sea and several critical installations are in these two districts. In the event of natural disaster, the ordinary mobile phones may become not reachable. But satellite phones work round the clock in any given situation. Keeping this in mind, these two DCs are given these satellite phones,” said a senior officer.
“A staff of the DC office is trained in using these phones. Cost of a satellite phone call is around Rs.50,” added officers.
As satellite phones don’t require any mobile signal or tower connection, the DCs can interact with senior officers without any problem at the time of crisis or emergency situation.