Drass, May 7: In the biting cold of Drass, known as the world’s second coldest inhabited place, a small community radio station has become the heartbeat of isolated mountain villages, carrying voices, warnings, stories and hope across snowbound terrain where roads close and communication networks often fail.
Located at 10,800 feet in Kargil district, of Ladakh Radio Drass 90.4 FM has emerged as a strong voice for the people of the world’s second coldest inhabited place, broadcasting local culture, news, and critical information to villages often cut off by harsh winters. Launched in 2023 under the Community Radio initiative, Radio Drass is run by local youth and supported by the Indian Army and Ladakh administration. It covers a radius of 20 km, reaching remote hamlets like Muradbagh, Bhimbat, Thasgam, and Mushkoh Valley where mobile and internet connectivity remains erratic.
Station Head Radio Drass Mohd Saleem told Greater Kashmir that the radio’s main focus is on education, health awareness, women empowerment, disaster alerts, and promotion of tourism besides promotion of Balti, Purgi, and Shina languages. “During winter when temperatures drop to -30°C and roads close for days, Radio Drass is the only link for traffic advisory, weather updates, avalanche warnings, and exam schedules,” he said. The station also airs success stories of students, farmers, and women entrepreneurs to inspire youth. The station broadcasts 13 hours daily from 9 am to 6 pm and then songs from 6 pm to 10 pm.
With its tagline ‘ Dil ki Dhadkan ’(Drass) , Radio Drass continues to beat the freeze and connect hearts in one of the harshest terrains on earth.
