|
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Shri Dayanidhi Maran today reviewed the measures being taken to restore communication facilities at the earliest in the Tsunami affected areas. In the meeting, the senior officers of the Department of Telecom and the CMD of BSNL briefed the Minister of various steps being taken to restore the communication facilities in the telecom circles of Andaman & Nicobar, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
During the meeting, the Minister directed the BSNL officials to install INMARSAT on top priority basis in Andaman & Nicobar. It was decided to charge the normal tariff for the calls made by the public. He further directed that the telephones in the Tsunami affected area should not be disconnected for non-payment of bills.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Circle, 5 telephone exchanges i.e. Diglipur, Kalighat, Kalera, Kishori Nagar and Ram Nagar have been restored. Satellite equipment at Diglipur, Campbel bay and Kamorta have been restored. Five INMARSAT terminals have been air lifted and reached Port Blair. In addition to this, 10 more INMARSAT terminals have been diverted from various circles to Andaman & Nicobar. These are proposed to be used as PCO in locations where telecommunication facilities are completely out of order in consultation with the local administration. With a view to mobilise technical manpower and supervise the restoration work, 3 teams one each from Southern Telecom Region, Eastern Telecom Region and West Bengal telecom circle have reached the islands. Another team under CGM, Eastern Telecom project is being deputed to make assessment of the damages to buildings and equipment and to install new equipment including small exchanges and satellite equipment.
In the Tamil Nadu telecom circle, all the 12 telephone exchanges reported to be affected on 26th December, 04 have been restored. All the five mobile BTS have also become operational. The GM’s Telecom have been instructed to contact the collectors of the districts to provide whatever communication assistance that may be required to meet the exigencies of damage restoration. Helplines have been provided wherever they have been asked for by the local authority.
In the Kerala Telecom Circle, out of 2 exchanges affected in the circle, Alappad exchange has been restored. For Srayikkad exchange, whose building and equipment was completely damaged, telephone connections have been provided to hospitals and relief centres for public use from Karunagappally exchange.
During the meeting, it was informed that two senior officers of the Department have reached Port Blair and Chennai and are coordinating with local telecom officials in restoration of telecom facilities. Control rooms have been opened up in Andaman and Nicobar, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. All the affected circles have been advised to remain in touch with local administration for meeting their requirements.
|
