Mahabaleshwar, Correspondent
Despite the installation of mobile towers across the remote, hilly and heavy-rainfall regions of Mahabaleshwar taluka, the absence of electricity connections has rendered these towers practically useless. With operations dependent solely on solar power, the towers frequently shut down, causing severe disruption in mobile network coverage. As a result, communication services have been crippled, making it extremely difficult for locals to contact each other, seek emergency help, or access digital services.
Senior social worker Dr. Kuldip Shivram Yadav expressed strong displeasure over the situation. He said, “It is not new for our region to remain without sunlight for nearly three consecutive months during the monsoon. Solar-powered towers fail during this period, leaving citizens completely cut off. The electricity distribution company and BSNL must immediately coordinate and provide power connections wherever they are unavailable.”
Dr. Yadav added, “Private telecom companies cannot operate in our region. BSNL is the only service provider, and even that service remains incomplete. After working tirelessly for 15 years, we have managed to secure some developmental facilities, but they still do not function at full capacity. This is a matter of citizens’ basic rights.”
Local residents have also demanded urgent action, pointing out that the lack of mobile connectivity causes serious difficulties in emergencies and gravely affects essential sectors such as healthcare, banking, disaster management, and education.
Meanwhile, the concerned departments have yet to take a concrete stand on the issue. To speed up the process of providing electricity connections, proper coordination between the local administration, BSNL, and the electricity distribution company is crucial. Only improved services from BSNL can ensure that these remote regions remain connected to the outside world.
Residents hope that BSNL will uphold its motto of “Connecting India” and provide reliable connectivity to strengthen Digital India in these remote settlements.
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