Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Reviews Progress on Mobile and Internet Connectivity in Shadow Areas
Directs Regular Monitoring and Time-Bound Completion of Projects
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today stressed the importance of coordinated and time-bound implementation of the Union Government’s Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) programme, aimed at expanding mobile and 4G network coverage in shadow areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on mobile tower installation and network expansion in uncovered regions, the Chief Secretary called for weekly progress reviews by both Divisional Commissioners to ensure timely completion of all identified sites. He instructed officers to closely monitor tower construction, electricity provisioning, and land-related issues, ensuring every tower becomes operational at the earliest.
The meeting was attended by the 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.
Reviewing the status of NoCs from the Forest Department for tower erection and power infrastructure, Dulloo directed departments to resolve pending issues promptly through inter-departmental coordination. He also designated the IT Department as the nodal agency to ensure effective coordination among all stakeholders and timely resolution of operational challenges.
Discussing the extension of 4G coverage under the Bharat Net and Amended Bharat Net programmes, the Chief Secretary noted that enhanced digital connectivity in shadow areas would significantly boost grassroots empowerment, governance delivery, and access to public services.
He urged BSNL, the implementing agency, to accelerate tower installations and raise any bottlenecks with the IT Department for immediate intervention.
It was informed that out of 847 identified sites, BSNL has applied for power connections at 744 sites, of which 505 have been energized. So far, 466 towers are on air, 98 more erected, and 95 ready for commissioning. Additionally, seven sites are off-grid, and 19 are under execution. The Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners to resolve land-related issues at 30 pending locations to prevent project delays.
Reviewing the ‘Call Before U Dig’ (CBuD) initiative, Dulloo underscored its importance in protecting road infrastructure from damage during excavations. He directed the PWD to enforce mandatory use of the app, maintain strict oversight, and initiate legal action against violators. Officials informed that 40 agencies and 403 asset owners are currently registered on the portal, with 176 unauthorized excavation cases recorded.
It was also informed that 5G infrastructure mapping is in progress, with around 1,58,126 assets—including electric poles, traffic lights, bus terminals, and government buildings—already mapped by the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD).
Under the Amended Bharat Net project, 4,299 Gram Panchayats across the UT are targeted for high-speed internet coverage. Implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the project follows a three-year timeline, with 10% Gram Panchayats to be commissioned by December 2025 and 30% by June 2026.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to universal mobile and broadband access, the Chief Secretary emphasized that digital inclusion is vital for socio-economic growth, efficient governance, and bridging the urban-rural divide. He called on all departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure that every household in remote and underserved areas gains access to reliable digital connectivity soon.
