New Delhi: The “proactive” installation of more than 1000 indigenous transponders proved to be a lifeline for the fishermen, providing support during the recent cyclone DANA that impacted the Odisha coast and adjoining areas of the Bay of Bengal.
As Cyclone DANA approached coastal Odisha, the Odisha State Relief Commissioner issued a warning on 20th October 2024, based on the India Meteorological Department’s midday bulletin.
Through these transponders, given to the fishermen free of cost, advisories were issued to the fishermen out at sea by the Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad to avoid venturing into the sea from 21st October to 26th October 2024. The warnings and advisories were issued on a real-time basis to the fishermen using the Vessel Communication and Support System.
This timely broadcast was a game changer, prompting a swift response and enabling the vessels to return to shore by the morning of 21st October 2024. The mass message was not just a notification but helped save the lives of the fishermen out at sea and also helped prevent damage to their resources.
The ability to track vessels in real-time represented a significant leap forward in crisis management. Officials could monitor approximately 126 boats from Paradeep that were further out at sea, ensuring the safe return of all boats by 22nd October 2024, well before Cyclone DANA made landfall. This enhanced tracking capability helped authorities stay informed about the vessels’ conditions, allowing them to respond effectively to any emergencies.
Furthermore, the Vessel Communication and Support System was instrumental in disseminating emergency messages in local languages.
With the Vessel Communication and Support System in place, officials could send a mass broadcast message to all vessels at sea on the evening of October 20, 2024, utilizing satellites from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The level of coordination achieved during this crisis was only possible through the Vessel Communication and Support System. The system did not only enable a proactive response, but also facilitated collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Department of Fisheries, the Coast Guard, and local authorities.
Moreover, the application served as a valuable source of cyclone information, detailing the cyclone’s name, category, and specific location through precise latitude and longitude coordinates. This data was complemented by the cyclone’s date and time, maximum surface wind speeds, and the date when this information was acquired.
This feature ensured clarity and urgency, allowing fishermen to comprehend the importance of returning to safety without delay. The multilingual support enhanced the system’s effectiveness, as many fishermen may not be fluent in English or Hindi. By using local dialects, the authorities could convey essential information more effectively, further reducing response times.
The messages sent to fishermen included, “Fishermen out at sea are advised to return to the coast immediately,” and “Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea off Odisha Coast and adjoining North Bay of Bengal from 21st to 26th October 2024.” These broadcast messages were communicated in both English and Odia, ensuring that all fishermen could understand the severity of the situation.
The fishermen out at sea were advised to return to the shore immediately. The timing of this warning was significant, allowing fishermen to take necessary precautions before the cyclone made landfall.
Traditionally, authorities relied on Very-High-Frequency radio and phone calls to contact vessels, depending on boat owners to provide their exact locations. This method posed significant challenges, as locating mechanized trawlers in distant waters was often difficult. Moreover, some owners could not provide precise information on their vessel numbers and locations. This lack of accurate data hindered effective communication and posed serious risks to the safety of the fishermen at sea.
The government of India plans to install indigenously developed transponders on one lakh fishing vessels in all 13 coastal states and Union Territories. This technology was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is being implemented through NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), which is the commercial arm of ISRO under the Department of Space (DoS).
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from Palghar, Maharashtra on August 30, 2024, with an outlay of ₹364 crores, this system aims to ensure the safety and security of the fishermen while at sea for fishing by enabling them for two-way communication which was not possible before induction of this technology beyond mobile coverage range. This initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D) for Vessel Communication and Support System, featuring indigenous transponder technology, demonstrated its capability in safeguarding fishermen during Cyclone DANA. By having this significant information readily accessible, fishermen were better equipped to respond to the unfolding situation.
In addition to cyclone-related data, the Nabhmitra Application provided important weather updates, including sea conditions, wind speed and direction, and visibility. This holistic view of the maritime environment was instrumental for fishermen, allowing them to make informed decisions about their safety. With these tools at their disposal, authorities could ensure timely alerts to the fishermen so that they could navigate the dangers posed by the approaching cyclone.
– global bihari bureau
