DoT activates monsoon telecom emergency plan in Himachal
Lessons from 2025 disasters shape preparedness measures as telecom operators strengthen networks, backup systems and restoration mechanisms across the state.
DoT activates monsoon telecom emergency plan in Himachal
Shimla, June 29
With the monsoon season approaching and the threat of landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts looming large, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has intensified efforts to ensure uninterrupted communication services across Himachal Pradesh, drawing upon lessons learnt during last year’s disaster situations.
Virendra Kumar, Additional Director General (Telecom), Himachal Pradesh Licensed Service Area (HP LSA), said maintaining robust telecom connectivity during emergencies remains a key priority given the state’s difficult terrain and vulnerability to natural calamities.
He said reliable communication networks are crucial for disaster response, coordination of relief operations and dissemination of timely information to citizens during emergencies.
According to the Department, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have undertaken preventive measures, including replacement of damaged Optical Fibre Cables (OFCs), strengthening of telecom poles and planning geographically diverse redundant OFC routes to minimise disruptions during adverse weather conditions.
The HP LSA is maintaining continuous coordination with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and telecom operators to facilitate swift restoration of services whenever disruptions occur. Regular review meetings are being held to assess preparedness and strengthen network resilience in vulnerable regions.
As part of its preparedness initiatives, officers of HP LSA and representatives of telecom companies recently participated in table-top exercises and mock drills organised in collaboration with the State Disaster Management Authority. The exercises focused on validating emergency response mechanisms and enhancing coordination among various stakeholders.
A major component of the preparedness plan is ensuring operational readiness for Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR), which allows subscribers to connect to another operator’s network if their own network becomes unavailable during disasters.
The Department noted that similar arrangements proved effective during the 2025 monsoon disasters. ICR facilities were activated in the Thunag area of Mandi district from July 2 to July 11, 2025, and later extended to parts of Chamba, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti between August 25 and September 10, 2025, helping restore communication links in affected regions.
Also read:DoT restores 71percent Telcom services in disaster hit Himachal districts
Telecom operators have now been advised to maintain readiness for ICR implementation across the state, including for tourists and visitors from other states who may be stranded during emergencies.
The Department has also instructed service providers to strengthen power backup arrangements at telecom sites and maintain emergency restoration resources such as portable Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs), live OFC restoration kits and other critical equipment for rapid service restoration.
Simultaneously, DoT is coordinating with state government agencies to ensure road accessibility to telecom installations, adequate fuel supplies for diesel generator sets and timely restoration of commercial power supply, all of which are vital for maintaining uninterrupted communication networks during prolonged outages.
The Department reiterated its commitment to building a resilient telecom infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh through coordinated planning, regular preparedness exercises and close collaboration with all stakeholders to effectively respond to future natural disasters.
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