Gadchiroli admin elated with CM's support on mobile connectivity

NAGPUR: The tribal population of Naxal-affected Gadchiroli can look forward to have improved cell phone connectivity soon. During an internal security conference, which was attended by all chief ministers of the country, state head Prithviraj Chavan requested the central government to urge the BSNL to improve their network base in the rebel stronghold district.
Gadchiroli district Atul Patne said that the CM was briefed about the connectivity issue, among others, at Nagpur during the winter assembly session in December last year.The issue came up again during Chavan's maiden visit to Gadchiroli.
At present, there are around 70 mobile phone towers in Gadchiroli district. An internal report of the district administration, in possession of TOI, points out that in comparison a smaller district like Chandrapur had nearly 110. The fewer mobile towers had left several remote villages cut off from the district headquarters.
The CM said that BSNL should be ready to stretch their operational area in Gadchiroli where communication is a major concern. Chavan said his government would try to put satellite phones to maximum use until BSNL network improves in the district.
"The Maharashtra government would seek the necessary sanctions from the centre for setting up the infrastructure for satellite phone networks," said Chavan, underlining the need of the government machineries to remain in contact with each other.
"Under the Universal Service Obligation, BSNL is supposed to establish the network for better mobile connectivity across the district. Jammu & Kashmir and north-eastern states have sound network system and so why not in Gadchiroli," asked Patne while welcoming the CM's initiative.
He added that it's also important from a social development point of view. "It is no more a luxury but an essential service which is useful in emergencies," said Patne. "Even the security agencies will benefit from the move."
Naxals used to target mobile towers in their strongholds to ensure information regarding their movement could not travel quickly among cops. The district had witnessed burning down of mobile towers in the past. This had discouraged private communication companies to remain away from Gadchiroli.
Local police had earlier prepared a proposal to ensure mobile towers were set up at police stations. It failed to take off.