What is DISANET?

The Information Network for Natural Disaster Mitigation and Recovery, abbreviated as DISANET, is a joint research initiative between the Indian Institute of Technology and various Japanese universities. This project is focused on:

• Early identification of disaster signs
• Intermediate comprehension of the disaster's aftermath
• Swift and appropriate rescue operations
• Practical application of information in restoration and revival

There are four research groups that will be operating under the DISANET project:

Group 1: Earthquake Disaster Risk Mitigation

Group 2: Weather Monitoring Platform

Group 3: Sustainable Communication Infrastructure

Group 4: ICT Platform and Resource Development for Emergency and Disaster Mitigation

• DISANET serves as a communication system that facilitates communication between rescue workers and a local center, and further with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in Delhi.
• The communication system was developed by a team at IIT Madras in a cost-effective manner.
• DISANET is a joint research and development project between India and Japan that seeks to establish infrastructure for continuous data collection on earthquake and weather phenomena with a global information network. It aims to develop technical bases for rescue, support for restoration and disaster recovery support, using India and Japan as example cases.

Why is DISANET necessary?

India frequently experiences disasters such as floods, cyclones, and other natural disturbances. One of the first systems to fail during these disasters is the Communication Networks. DISANET was developed to address this challenge and provide a reliable communication system during emergencies.

• DISANET is a system that enables citizens within its coverage area to communicate basic or emergency messages such as “I am safe”, along with personal information like name, age, and gender.
• The system, known as DISANET, allows basic services such as voice, text and video communications to be exchanged within the network of rescue workers, the Master Operation Centre and the NDMA.
• Currently, people involved in rescue operations, such as police personnel, use walkie-talkie handsets (VHF/UHF).

• DISANET's design features four subsystems — WiFi, a satellite link, single-carrier GSM and LTE (Long Term Evolution), a standard for high-speed wireless communication for mobile phones and data terminals.
• The compact system can be quickly transported in trucks to the Master Operation Centre site within a few hours of a disaster.
• The wireless system is designed to provide coverage over an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometres.
• Rescue workers equipped with GSM handsets, WiFi cameras and WiFi nodes can cover an area of 12-25 square kilometres, forming the primary deployment area. These workers facilitate communication between the affected area and the Master Operation Centre (MOC).
• The MOC is equipped with pico- or micro-sized LTE-Base Stations, which are mounted at a height of 15 to 20 metres.

The following table provides some important points about DISANET:

Questions based on DISANET may come up in the Science and Technology section of the UPSC Syllabus . Aspirants can get a detailed comprehensive syllabus and exam pattern for the prelims and mains examination at the linked article.

Also, aspirants can check the Preparation Strategy for Competitive Exams at the linked article.

For any further information, latest updates, study material and preparation tips, candidates can always refer to reliable sources for guidance.

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