Indian Army Establishes 440 km Radio Link to Enhance Uttarakhand Flood Rescue Operations
The Indian Army's Shatrujeet Brigade has achieved a significant milestone in the flood-stricken region of Uttarakhand by establishing a 440 km High Frequency (HF) radio link between Harsil and Agra. This development has restored essential communication lines to the remote village of Dharali.
Employing advanced AN/PRC-160 manpack radios equipped with 4G Automatic Link Establishment, the Army has facilitated communication that is up to 10 times faster than older systems. This improved connectivity allows for better coordination, more efficient resource deployment, and the provision of real-time updates in the challenging terrain of the mountains.
The region has been in turmoil since August 6, when a cloudburst led to severe flash floods and landslides. These natural disasters have resulted in over 100 people going missing and at least five fatalities. More than 40 houses have been destroyed or buried under debris, and road access to the Harsil Valley is still restricted.
Approximately 150 personnel from the Rajputana Rifles, with support from Army engineers and Indian Air Force helicopters on standby, are actively participating in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working diligently to reopen critical routes such as Uttarkashi–Dharasu–Gangotri and Joshimath–Malari to expedite the delivery of aid.
Authorities caution that the death toll may increase as rescue teams reach areas that were previously inaccessible. The Army's use of cutting-edge HF radio technology has been praised as transformative, enabling reliable communication even in areas where satellite connectivity is inadequate. This advancement provides an essential lifeline for the residents of Uttarakhand.
