The central government has approved installation of 1,202 towers by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Uttarakhand, each of which would cost Rs 10 million.
According to officials, the project would benefit 1,202 villages which are yet to be covered under mobile 4G services. Of this, there are 28 such villages in Almora, 97 in Bageshwar, 124 in Chamoli, 104 in Champawat, 56 in Dehradun, 196 in Pauri, six in Haridwar, 60 in Nainital, 245 in Pithoragarh, 20 in Rudraprayag, 114 in Tehri, three in Udham Singh Nagar, and 148 in Uttarkashi. The officials added that the districts which share their borders with neighbouring countries such as Nepal and China, such as Chamapwat, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Chamoli, will benefit the most.
The move is aimed at improving the mobile phone and internet connectivity in the state and speeding up the tower installation process. As per the changes made, Rs 50,000 would be taken in areas under development authorities, Rs 25,000 under nagar panchayat, Rs 10,000 in other plain areas and Rs 5,000 in the hills.
