Chief Secretary reviews progress on mobile, internet connectivity in shadow areas

Srinagar, Oct 14: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Tuesday emphasized the need for coordinated and time-bound execution of the Union Government’s Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) programme aimed at expanding mobile network and 4G connectivity in shadow areas of the Union Territory.
He made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting convened to review the status of mobile tower installation and network coverage across the uncovered areas of J&K.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Secretary, Information Technology; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Chief General Manager, BSNL; and other senior officers.
During the review, the Chief Secretary directed both Divisional Commissioners to take weekly appraisals of the progress made on each identified site. He asked them to closely monitor the pace of tower construction, electricity provisioning, and land-related issues, ensuring that every tower is made functional at the earliest.
He also reviewed the status of NoCs from the Forest Department for tower erection and laying of electricity networks and directed for early resolution of such matters through inter-departmental coordination.
The Chief Secretary instructed the IT Department to act as the nodal agency for the programme, ensuring effective coordination among all stakeholder departments and timely removal of operational bottlenecks.
Reviewing the extension of 4G network coverage under Bharat Net and Amended Bharat Net Programmes, the Chief Secretary observed that enhanced digital connectivity in these network shadow areas will significantly strengthen grassroots-level empowerment, governance delivery, and access to public services.
He urged BSNL, the implementing agency, to expedite tower installations and ensure early commissioning. The company was advised to flag any implementation hurdles with the IT Department for prompt redressal.
The Chief Secretary was informed that out of a total 847 identified sites, BSNL has applied for electric connections at 744 sites, of which 505 sites have been energized. Additionally, 466 towers have been put on air, 98 more have been erected, and 95 others are ready for commissioning. Seven sites are off-grid and 19 are currently under execution.
BSNL representatives apprised the Chief Secretary that land issues persist at around 30 locations, for which he directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners to resolve matters at the earliest to avoid project delays.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the implementation of the ‘Call Before U Dig’ (CBuD) initiative, highlighting its importance in preventing avoidable damage to road infrastructure. He directed the PWD to enforce mandatory use of the app before any road excavation, maintain strict vigilance, and initiate legal action against violators.
It was informed that the portal currently has 40 registered agencies and 403 asset owners, with 176 unauthorized excavation instances recorded in the past.
The meeting was also apprised that 5G infrastructure mapping is underway, with around 1,58,126 assets including electric poles, traffic lights, bus terminals, and government buildings already mapped by H&UDD so far.
Regarding the Amended Bharat Net project, it was informed that 4,299 Gram Panchayats are targeted for coverage across the UT, providing high-speed internet connectivity to government institutions and the public.
Implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the project has a three-year timeline, with 10% Gram Panchayats to be commissioned by December 2025 and 30% by June 2026.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving universal mobile and broadband access, noting that digital inclusion is critical for accelerating socio-economic growth, improving governance efficiency, and bridging the urban-rural divide.
He urged all departments and agencies involved to work in close coordination to ensure that every household in remote and underserved areas gains access to reliable digital connectivity soon.