Government-run telecom major BSNL would be installing 246 mobile towers in two phases in the Naxal-affected areas to improve phone connectivity there, an official said.
The decision was announced at a meeting of unified command for anti-Naxal operations, chaired by Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh, at the new Mantralaya here today.
Construction of roads, rail lines, and other essential infrastructure in the 'left wing extremism' (LWE) areas, anti-Naxal strategies, implementation of public welfare schemes, etc were discussed in the meeting.
"It was informed in the meeting that BSNL has a target of installing 146 mobile towers in the first phase. Around 80 towers will be erected by March this year and 40 of them will start operating soon thereafter," the official said.
The remaining towers will be installed by August-end. In the next phase, 100 towers would be installed.
The BSNL was asked to provide proper training to local youth and police for maintenance of towers, he added. It was also asked to ensure availability of spare batteries for towers so as to avoid interruption in service.
The Chief Minister assured that additional security would be provided for the construction of Dallirajahra-Rowghat-Jagdalpur rail project. "CRPF has been asked to provide additional force," the official added.
Concerned officials have been instructed to complete construction of roads before time.
Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand, Security Advisor to Union Ministry of Home Affairs K Vijay Kumar, Chhattisgarh Government's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) NK Aswal, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) DS Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister N Baijendra Kumar, Director General of CRPF Prakash Mishra, Chhattisgarh's Director General of Police AN Upadhyay, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Aman Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary PWD Amitabh Jain, Additional Director General of Police (Naxal Operations) RK Vij and senior officials of Air Force and BSNL were also present.
