Science enthusiasts and curious minds in Dehradun can now tune in to 88.8 MHz FM to hear directly from scientists, as Uttarakhand prepares to launch its first science community radio station. Developed by Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), the station is being set up at the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST).
The first trial broadcast was successfully conducted on Saturday, in the presence of UCOST Director General Prof. Durgesh Pant. The station aims to serve as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public, offering insights into scientific inventions, weather updates, and how research is impacting society positively.
The unique initiative will feature a daily two-hour awareness program designed to spark interest in science among students. Scientists from across the country and state will be invited to share their knowledge and research. The program schedule for the entire week has already been finalized, with a focus on making science relatable and useful to everyday life.
In addition to educational content, the station will also serve as a platform for professors from various educational institutions to discuss their ongoing research. Under the “One University-One Research” initiative directed by the Governor of Uttarakhand, researchers from both public and private universities will be encouraged to explain the societal relevance of their work on air.
The radio station will broadcast within a 10-kilometre aerial radius of the UCOST campus, covering a significant part of the Dehradun district. With its dedicated tower and transmitter now installed, the station is expected to be especially valuable in disaster-prone areas for disseminating scientific and safety information.
Prof. Durgesh Pant confirmed that the official broadcast is scheduled to begin on June 5, World Environment Day. “This radio station will enable scientists to communicate the importance and impact of their research to society,” he stated.
This science radio station marks a significant step toward promoting scientific literacy and community engagement in Uttarakhand.
