Anakapalli Tribals Climb Hills for Phone Signal as BSNL Tower Remains Defunct
Residents of 11 villages in Anakapalli district say they have been without mobile connectivity for days after a BSNL tower was damaged during Cyclone Arnab.
Tribal residents of 11 villages under Chimalapadu panchayat in Ravikamatham mandal of Anakapalli district have staged a protest over BSNL mobile services not being restored for the past several days. The company’s cell tower got damaged during Cyclone Arnab, severely disrupting communication facilities.
Residents of Adivasi habitations, including Jogampeta and surrounding villages, said their repeated complaints to BSNL authorities have gone unanswered, leaving thousands in the area without mobile phone connectivity.
Particularly affected are two Anganwadi centres and two mandal parishad primary Schools in the area, where mobile connectivity is required to monitor midday meal and nutrition programmes.
Residents say they are being forced to travel nearly three kilometres uphill to access a mobile signal for information related to pensions and government services. They have sought quick restoration of services from the tower, as lack of network connectivity could be dangerous during medical emergencies. They point out that pregnant women and elderly residents will not be able to get 108 ambulance service if disruption continues.
Those who joined the protest include CPM district executive committee member K. Govinda Rao, Singarapu Valasaiah, Gadabari Raju, and other area leaders.