The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sought Rs 923 crore from the government to develop a "fail-safe" communication network during any calamity.

The project, National Disaster Communication Network (NDCN), envisages providing assured multi services such as audio, video, data and knowledge based information to meet the requirements of various stakeholders for proactive and holistic management of disaster.

Outlining the details, M Shashidhar Reddy, Vice Chairman, NDMA, stressed for a dedicated fail-proof communication system to ensure seamless flow of value-added information for prevention, preparedness, mitigation and recovery, besides capacity building programmes.

"NDCN will be network of networks by leveraging existing communication networks to provide connectivity to various Emergency Operation Centres at national, state and district levels.

"NDCN will establish separate satellite link network for providing fail-safe communication during disaster. Estimated cost involved in this project is Rs 943 crore and is now being examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs," Reddy said.

He said that NDMA is also preparing guidelines for Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for bank financing in infrastructure sector which would also include the communication sector.

"This will ensure disaster resistant design criteria in all the infrastructure projects and will go long way in maintaining better communication connectivity," the Vice Chairman said.

Union Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology Sachin Pilot released the National Guidelines on National Disaster Management Information and Communication System (NDMICS) prepared by NDMA.

"India needs to be more prepared in tackling the outcomes of both natural and man-made disasters," Pilot said stressing on conducting more mock drills to check preparedness of various agencies and to keep untoward incidents at bay.