Excelsior Correspondent
Leh, Sept 23: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the 4G saturation project being implemented by BSNL in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, BSNL General Manager Leh, Hari Om Solanki, informed the LG that 241 sites are planned to cover 494 villages in Ladakh, along with 28 sites for the Army and 32 sites for the ITBP.
He also informed that foundation work has been completed at 141 sites, and 113 mobile towers have been erected so far.
Discussions covered delays at certain sites, work halted on sites suggested by the Hill Councils, and towers that are not yet operational.
The LG expressed concern over the slow progress, especially in forward areas where Army personnel and villagers face difficulties due to the lack of telecom facilities.
He also questioned why work had stopped at some sites where other mobile companies have no presence.
The LG instructed BSNL officials to remove any obstacles delaying work on the held-up sites and asked contractors to provide updates on the progress of village and Army/ITBP sites.
He urged both BSNL and the contractors to expedite work in the remaining days of the working season, especially on the priority sites identified by the Hill Councils.
Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar was directed to prepare a report on the delays caused by BSNL and contractors, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Telecommunication.
Representatives from LAHDC Leh and Kargil, including Chairmen Advocate Tashi Gyalson and Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, along with Councillors from Nyoma, Korzok, Panamik, and other areas, highlighted the issues faced by their constituencies due to the delayed project.
The LG emphasized the need for quick action to resolve these issues.