The Central Government is set to improve telecommunications and internet facilities in the Spiti valley of Lahaul and Spiti district under the Vibrant Villages Programme. The region, which shares a border with China, has long struggled with poor internet and mobile phone connectivity.
In light of the violent clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan valley of Ladakh in June 2020, the Indian Government is focusing on strengthening infrastructure in border areas. As a result, the BSNL has been directed to install telecom towers for mobile phone connectivity and internet in inhabited and uncovered locations in the Spiti valley within 500 days. The Kaza administration has been tasked with suggesting sites for the installation of these towers.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kaza, Abhishek Verma, said that the administration has suggested around 40 inhabited and uncovered locations in the Spiti valley for the installation of towers to strengthen internet and mobile phone connectivity in the region.
Lahaul and Spiti MLA Ravi Thakur, quoted in the Tribune, said, “Poor Internet and mobile phone connectivity is a major issue in the Spiti valley. Students face inconvenience due to connectivity problem.” He also added that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Chief General Manager of Telecommunication Services (BSNL) in Shimla to install telecom towers in Lahaul and Spiti district to provide 4G services within a year.
(With inputs from Tribune)
The Chenab Times News Desk