Himachal Prepares For Winter: Satellite Phones, VSAT Antennas And Flights Connecting Tribal Districts Announced

Himachal government, in order to tackle any emergency in the state during the winter season, will provide all sub-divisional and district headquarters with satellite phones and very small aperture terminal (VSAT) antennas and will arrange for flights in tribal areas, The Tribune has reported.

During a video conference with all deputy commissioners of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Secretary BK Agarwal said that VSAT and satellite phones will be provided to the sub-divisional and district headquarters to tackle emergency situations in winter months.

Agarwal was conducting the video conference to review preparations for the winter season and a Central government team’s visit to assess losses incurred during the monsoon by the state.

Chief Secretary said that since the Rohtang pass has been closed, arrangement of flights will be done by the state government soon in order to facilitate people.

Rohtang pass, due to heavy snowfall, was closed for the winter season on Monday (12 November). With the pass shut, traffic movement between Manali and tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti was also halted.

He also asked BSNL to strengthen its communication system especially in tribal and remote areas of the state.

Agarwal directed district-level committees to hold meetings with concerned departments to make preparations as per the snow manual and disaster management guidelines.

Gram panchayats should issue advisories to people during adverse weather conditions, he said.

He also asked police department to chalk out a strategy for rescue and relief measures.