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Experiences during flood in DDK Srinagar
Introduction:
This article describes my experiences in Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar during
unprecedented flood in Srinagar city. During 02 September 2014 to 06 September 2014
Kashmir valley had experienced continuous (day and night) rain fall throughout the valley
region on all hills in upper catchment area of river Jhelum. Due to this unprecedented rail
fall Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir valley was flooded. It has caused widespread
damages to life and property. Particularly damages to property and life saving installations
and life support services were badly affected. Ground floor Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar
and staff hostel was also submerged during the flood, as it is situated on the bank of river
Jhelum. But the transmitters were not affected as all three transmitters are situated on
Shankaracharya hill in Srinagar.
Experiences:
The event started with short circuit in trenches of earth station room in morning
hours due to water seepage from ground. Later Power supply was switched off due to water
in AVR room and DG room. After Earth Station was shut down, One VCR was sent to
Transmitter and Terrestrial transmission was restored from Shankaracharya hill. In the mean
time DSNG was deployed and “DD Kashir” Satellite Service was started from DSNG Van with
one VCR in DSNG Van itself and as Power supply was shut down for entire Earth Station
Area as soon as shorting was detected Subsequent News bulletin of 13:00 Hrs. and 15:00
Hrs. were given from ENG Room and ENG camera to directly DSNG Van.
After some time “DD Kashir” Satellite Service was shifted to OB van and
Transportable DG van through DSNG van. Next News bulletins were also given live from
studio 2, OB camera and ENG lighting kit by Overhead Cable arrangements. Water pump
was also procured from market in emergency and deployed to lift water from studio complex
by taking power from hostel complex.
In early hours (about 01:30 Hrs) all staff members from ground floor of hostel
complex were asked to shift to higher floor due to clue from CRPF. Our mess staff was also
asked to shift ration material and kitchen material to third floor for safety of personnel and
material.
“DD Kashir” Satellite Service was again started at 07:00 Hrs on 07 Sept 2014 from
OB van and DSNG van. Power supply went off in hostel complex after some time. No rain
was there throughout day and night. But water level in the studio complex was further
increased due to rise in river level. No local staff members could report to office due to
water logging and flooding of houses in various parts of Srinagar.
On inspection of Jhelum river bund (at about 0900 Hrs) it was observed that river
water has started over flowing from the river bund. There were some holes in river bund
due to water pressure. Water was also coming from the bottom of the river bund like spring
water due to holes created by animals like rats etc. Anticipating that river may flood the
Doordarshan’s studio complex by widening these cracks any time up linking was stopped by

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giving caption that “Flood Water has entered DDK Srinagar Campus So DD Kashir is going
Off Air”.
After stopping of service OB van, DG set van, DSNG van was shifted with limited
staff from Studio complex to Transmitter complex on Shankaracharya hills for safety and
prevention from damages due to flooding.
OB van, DG set van and DSNG van could not go upto transmitter complex due to
land sliding on Shakaracharyahill road. Hence these were parked and deployed on
Shankaracharya hill road at some distance above Nehru Park Barrier of CRPF. Subsequent
News Bulletins were given from the Shankaracharya hill Road where OB van, DG set van
and DSNG vans were parked. Up linking was carried out from OB Van & DSNG Van from
about 11:00 Hrs to 22:00 Hrs. News Bulletins were given from “On the Road arrangement”
At transmitter complex infrastructure was available for only 4 to 5 staff members
but more than 30 staff members were accommodated. Due to this many staff members
were forced to take rest in the night in OB van and other escort vehicle itself.
OLD DSNG mounted on old EFP van could not go up to Shankaracharya hills due to
poor braking system hence parked near AIR / TRC complex at a place somewhat higher
level than DDK Srinagar Complex. After this some of the staff (about 20) from the Hostel
was sent through office cars/ vehicles along with Ration Material to Transmitter Complex at
Shankaracharya Hills.
After Equipment Vans, Office cars and almost half of the Hostel Staff were shifted to
Transmitter complex, water had started coming heavily from Jhelum River. With the help of
available staff loose equipment like Camera Heads, Camera Lenses of both the studios and
Stand by Video Switcher of Studio 2 (SONY MFS 2000) were shifted to PCR 1, situated on
1st Floor. Later ENG Cameras were also shifted from ENG Room to PCR 1 for safety and
prevention from damages due to flooding.
In the meantime Ground Floor of the Hostel was vacated and all material of ground
floor rooms were shifted to 1St
Floor and 2nd
floor. By Evening water stated gushing in from
all sides towards Hostel complex, with limited staff available Store room on the Ground floor
was visited and all possible efforts were made to save stores material, Boxes of blank Video
Tapes were taken to 1St
Floor, Video Monitors etc. were also kept at max. possible height
within the store.
After some time landline and mobile communication services were stopped due to
longer power failure on 07 Sept 2014.
Mr Mukesh Sevaria, Dy Commandant (CRPF) and Mrs Rigzen Angmo, AC (CRPF)
along with their jawans had extended help in making of hole in outer walls to for water
discharge from Studio complex and of placement of sand bags on gate at right time.
As all Mess staff members (cooks) of contactor left hostel complex one meal was
prepared by our own staff members. After that CRPF has agreed to provide meals to DD

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staff also in hostel complex on payment of Rs. 50/- per person per day as per their standard
practice.
Shri Jaswant singh, AE; Shri Neeraj Goyal, AE; Shri M K Sharma, AE; Shri H R Meena,
AE; Shri Tarun Saxena, AE; Vivek Katiyar, AE, Shri Tara Chandra, AE; has shown exemplary
courage and coordination with other fellow staff members in shifting of van and other
equipments to safe place in spite of gushing and rising water levels in short period of time.
Similarly Shri LM Sayyad, AE; Sri Jaswant Singh, AE; Shri Neeraj Goyal, AE; Shri M K
Sharma, AE; has shown outstanding performance against all odds in keeping close
coordination among all staff members in Transmitter complex and operated satellite service
in this difficult time.
To sustain long period of captivity due to flooding (just in case) all members were
briefed to observe by following precautions:
1. Store safe drinking water in bottles, jugs, utensils etc to the extent it is possible to
store.
2. Use small cups to drink limited water per day to conserve drinking water so that it
can last long.
3. Use newspaper to wipe dish /plate after eating food and then wash it with a little
water.
4. Eat only limited small breakfast and one limited meal a day.
5. Reduce quantity of regular dosage of medicines / tablets if there is less stock to
avoid total stoppage in the event of prolonged captivity.
6. Not to brush or use minimum water for mouth wash to conserve potable water.
7. Stop usage of flush and use river water through bucket for flushing in toilets.
8. To stay united and boost morale of our fellow members in this situation of difficult
time.
On 08 Sept 2014, there was no rain throughout day and night. But water level in the
studio and hostel complex was further increased due rise in river level. By 02:30 Hrs water
level further increased in ground floor of hostel, approx. more than 8 feet above floor level.
Water level started receding in ground floor of hostel on 08 Sept 2014 after 17:00
Hrs. Due to no power supply in the full Srinagar city and possible shortage of diesel due to
blockage of Jammu- Srinagar highway Transmitter staff was asked to conserve diesel
(scarce resource which will be required for pumping of water, bringing potable water upto
transmitter complex longer DSNG + OB operation and restoration of services at a later
date), through CRPF wireless, by stoppage of transmitter and its DG set (which consume
more diesel per day while there is no body to see in city because of No power supply) and
reduction in DSNG + OB van operation.
On 09 Sept 2014 there was no rain throughout day and night. Water level in the
studio and hostel complex was further decreased by approximately 1 foot due decrease in
river level. Up linking was continued to be carried out from OB Van & DSNG Van from about
07:00 Hrs. to 22:00 Hrs. News Bulletins were given from “On the Road arrangement”.

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In the night of 09.09.14 OB Van and DSNG Van were attacked by agitated mob at
round 22:30 Hrs. our staff members taking rest in vans could save their life by hiding in
nearby make shift CRPF tents. Once the mob was dispersed, our own staff members worked
in mid night and cleared hill road for the movement of DSNG van, OB van and DG Vans up
to HPT complex. After that vehicles (OB, DSNG & DG vans) were shifted to transmitter
complex in the night at around 01:30 Hrs. for safety because by that time hill road was
cleared.
“DD Kashir” was started from DDK Delhi through MCPC earth station and taken on
DTH platform so that DSNG can be used for sending feed only.
On 10 Sept 2014 also there was no rain throughout day and night. Water level in the
studio and hostel complex was further decreased due to further decrease in river level.
Some staff members have started feeling uncomfortable due to continuous captivity. All
were waiting for evacuation as soon as possible. Mobile service was restored by BSNL in
limited way but connectivity was poor and unreliable. Connectivity was possible from only
one place in hostel (top floor in staircase) and HPT (near mess room) complexes. But it was
required to try repeatedly to get connection established. Even though contact could be
established to Delhi numbers with repeated attempts it was not possible to get connected
with local numbers at all.
Again on 11 Sept 2014 Shri Y K Singh, DDG (HQ) and Shri Naidu, DDG (Security)
visited Transmitter complex. These food items were too little for the survival of approx 35
members from DD, AIR and CCW.
Mr Jaswant Singh, AE, Mr Bakshish Singh and Mr L M Sayyad, AE came to Hostel
complex on foot by trekking hill and through 4 to 5 feet deep water in and around DDK
Srinagar complex. After discussions with these officers Mr J M Kharche, DDG(E), H R Meena,
AE and Mr Naveen, Cameraman had a visit to Transmitter complex on foot by walking
through Thigh deep water and trekking hill to take first hand information and review of
situation. While visiting by trekking on hill, it was seen that the Srinagar city is deluged due
to wide spread flooding and it is likely to take more time for normalcy in city life. After
visiting the transmitter complex on Shakarcharya hill and discussion with Shri N A Khan, E-
in-C and Shri O K Sharma, ADG(E) all staff members were asked to be ready for evacuation
on 12 Sept 2014 (in the morning).
On 12 Sept 2014 at about 06:30 Hrs all Doordarshan staff members, who were
shifted from hostel to transmitter complex, started tracking towards studio complex on foot
through pathway on hill. Only two helpers, one Cook of Mess Contractor, two Drivers were
left behind when all staff members left HPT Complex but all the left out members (locals)
were to move out in the day towards their home.
All Staff from hostel complex came out through thigh deep water in CRPF complex
and joined other staff members at 09:00 Hrs. Then all staff members started walking
towards airport and reached airport at 1400 Hrs. At about 20:15 Hrs 33 employees (DD, AIR
and CCW) boarded airplane with the help of Indian Army.

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All employees from Srinagar landed at Chandigarh airport at about 21:15 Hrs. With
the help of Shri Sumeet Goyal, DE and other employees of DDK Chandigarh staff members
could board different bus (on same day), airplane (on next day) for going to their home in
Delhi, Jammu, Jallandhar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Pune and Bangalore.
Throughout the period no personnel from Programme wing / Cameraman were
available at transmitter complex and all decisions related to transmission were managed by
our Assistant Engineers and other subordinate staff available at Transmitter complex. Even
services of casual Driver were taken for reporting purposes.
Some of our staff members at transmitter complex were in the need of human
insulin injections, Diabetic medicines, BP medicines but these could not be arranged in spite
of our repeated requests to News Correspondent came from Delhi / Delhi office / CRPF
which has forced to evacuate such personnel at the earliest for saving their life.
Most scaring moment:
08 Sept 2014 at 0130 Hrs When river bund was severely damaged and due to gushing
water back side gate was opened with a bang noise. Later we could see a big DG set was
thrown out of CRPF office on to road due to that force of water.
Cooperation:
DD staff at HPT, shankarachrya hill had extended extraordinary cooperation to AIR
and CCW staff member in providing food, bedding and drinking water when they reached
after a long captivity in TRC.
Also DD staff has provided diesel for the DG set for FM transmitter of AIR so that it
can be run in the interest of public service as only FM broadcast could be listen through
battery operated FM radio sets and mobile phones while TV receivers need electric power
which was not available in all over Srinagar city, which was possible due to storage of extra
diesel at HPT site in advance. Because of this diesel for DG set, from Doordarshan’s stock,
FM transmitter service was maintained in the absence of long power cut.
Synopsis:
With timely and pre-emptive action Kendra could save lives of our employees and
material worth crores of rupees by shifting employees (along with ration) DSNG van, OB
van, DG van (along with Diesel) , ENG & Studio cameras, VTRs, switcher, tapes and many
other items to safe place before entering of water in to studio complex.
Credits:
I am personally thankful to Maj. Gen. Yadav and Col. Gupta from Indian Army and
Air Comd. Sunil from Indian Air Force who have extended help in evacuation of all stranded
DD staff members on the request of Shri N A Khan, E-in-C Doordarshan.
I also want to convey my thanks to my Assistant Engineers Shri Jaswant singh, AE;
Shri Neeraj Goyal, AE; Shri M K Sharma, AE; Shri H R Meena, AE; Shri Tarun Saxena, AE;

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Vivek Katiyar, AE, Shri Tara Chandra, AE; Shri L M Sayyad, AE; who have listened to my
directions without any question and shown exemplary courage and coordination with other
fellow staff members in shifting of van and other equipments to safe place in spite of
gushing and rising water levels in short period of time and also maintained calm atmosphere
among supporting staff.
Shri SN Singh DDG(E) DDK Delhi and his entire operation and maintenance team
members have extended all help to start DD Kashir Satellite service from DDK Delhi studio
and earth station with same frequency and satellite in a short time.
I also want to extend my sincere thanks and regards to Shri N A Khan, E-in-C and
Shri O K Sharma, ADG(E), Shri Sunil, ADG(E), Shri A K Jha, DDG(E) and Shri WB Prasad DDE
for their guidance and support from Delhi end during the hour of crisis.
Future options:
After our experiences during this unprecedented flood in Srinagar following
possibilities may be explored in the interest of public service and safety:
1. Broadcasters, Telecom service providers, National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Broadcast Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs) and Telecom OEMs may collaborate for development of a
standard interface among themselves for seamless dissemination of timely advices
and warnings to masses.
2. All future DVB-T2 transmitter to have DVB-T2 Light modulation so that it can
transmit disaster warnings and preventive advices on battery operated receivers.
3. DTH Set Top Box OEMs and Mobile phone OEM may collaborate for development of
a standard interface (USB on DTH STB to Micro USB on Mobile phone) for using
mobile battery to give power to DTH STB and use speakers / screen of smart mobile
phone for listening disaster warning broadcast when there is no city power supply
during disaster.
4. All transmitters and DTH Head Ends can be upgraded to store pre recorded Disaster
warnings, advices to sustain long period of captivity or safety precautions so that it
can be broadcast on getting a disaster trigger (Region & Type) code from NDMA.
5. Development of Solar chargers for Mobile phones.
6. Inclusion of lessons in primary and secondary education on precautions to be
followed during disasters and disaster warning system, disaster preparedness.

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Earth Station PDA Area (at the end of water rise)
Main Gate of DDK Srinagar (at the end of water rise)

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Studio Complex Back Side of Hostel Complex & Jhelum River

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About the Author:
J M Kharche is presently working as Dy. Director General (Engg) in Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar,
India. After completing his graduation in Engineering from MACT, Bhopal, he joined Doordarshan
through IES-88 batch. Since then he has been involved in operation and maintenance of TV
transmitters and Earth Stations equipments and Inspection of Broadcast equipments. He has served
in different capacities in Doordarshan Kendra, Ahmedabad; Bhawanipatna; DD’s Inspection Cell,
Baroda; Central Production Center, New Delhi and Satellite Planning Cell of Doordarshan
Directorate, New Delhi, before his current posting to Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar. At Doordarshan
Directorate, he has been involved in Doordashan’s DTH project, Digitalization of Satellite Earth
StationsandModernizationof DSNGsinDoordarshanNetwork formore than a decade.