Residents seek immediate activation of BSNL Tower
DODA, Sep 30: Residents of far-flung Dedni village in the Marmat area have urged the authorities to immediately activate the BSNL mobile tower constructed in the village during 2023–24, alleging that despite completion of the tower and installation of solar panels, network services have still not been made available.
The local resident, said the tower could provide connectivity not only to Dedni but also to parts of the Marmat zone and adjoining areas. Residents said reliable mobile connectivity is essential for students, businesses, digital payments, online education and emergency communication.
Residents stated that Triath Ram provided land free of cost for construction of the tower in the hope that the facility would benefit the local population.
“People still have to move towards forest and elevated areas just to make a phone call. In today’s digital era, this is creating serious difficulties for students, families and businesses,” residents said.
According to residents, around 1,500 people in the area remain affected by the lack of mobile connectivity. They said the situation becomes particularly difficult during winter, when heavy snowfall can make movement challenging and access to communication even more important.
The area also attracts devotees and visitors to Durga Mandir, Dedni, but visitors reportedly face difficulties due to the absence of mobile network coverage.
Residents said they have repeatedly approached BSNL authorities and also raised the matter with MLA Shakti Parihar and DC Doda Krishan Lal, requesting that the tower be made operational.
The residents have now appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure that the BSNL tower is activated without further delay.
“The tower has been standing for nearly three years, but the people are still waiting for basic mobile connectivity. We request the authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest,” local residents said.