MADURAI: The Army has suggested setting up a closed user group (CUG) of mobile communication that would issue disaster alerts to cell phone users, irrespective of service providers, in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of disaster warning system proposed after the tsunami.

Brigadier J. M. Devadoss, who led the integrated command rescue and relief operations in the islands immediately after tsunami, told The Hindu here on Thursday that the Army had submitted the proposal to the Central Government and the civil administration in the islands. The CUG system should be operated from police control headquarters.

Tsunami meet

He was here to address the national commemorative conference on tsunami organised by the School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources of the Madurai Kamaraj University.

"Our aim is to cover all the islands. The last year's tragedy made us think of issuing alerts on mobiles and it should be operated by civil administration involving all departments," Brig. Devadoss said.

According to him, at present the Navy under Andaman Nicobar Command was issuing warnings but the Army thought it would be better if the civil administration gets involved.

After the tsunami, the Army had acquired sophisticated equipment to be used in rescue operations and submitted proposals for purchasing more tools to deal with situations like earthquakes and tsunami.

He said the National Disaster Management Academy at Secunderabad was monitoring the requirements of the islands "and soon they will put in place a mechanism to meet any eventuality."

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