Himachal's tribal village up in arms over erratic Internet connectivity

Angry over prolonged disruption of mobile internet connectivity, residents of Purthi village in the remote tribal region of Pangi, Chamba district, once again blocked the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road on Monday, demanding restoration of BSNL’s mobile internet services.

Advertisement

This is the second time within a week that the villagers have taken to the streets. A similar blockade was staged on May 28, during which BSNL officials had promised to operationalise internet services within three days. However, with no visible progress since, villagers say their patience has run out.

While partial voice calling is available in some areas, internet connectivity has been completely non-functional for months, cutting off villagers from the rest of the world and affecting everything from education and healthcare to emergency services and digital banking.

“We are not asking for 5G or high-speed services. We just want basic internet so that our children can study online and we can access essential services,” said Janam Singh, a local resident. “

He said BSNL officials earlier claimed that installing a 4G tower in nearby Thandal village would benefit consumers in six villages — Thandal, Purthi, Ajog, Chau, Rei and Shaur. However, bowing to political and administrative pressure, authorities decided to install the tower in Purthi, but the infrastructure has yet to be activated.

Though, the solar equipment with battery backup, shed, B-set and other technical facilities has already been installed but internet services have not yet started.

“The tower is just standing there like a monument. If it was supposed to work, why hasn’t it started yet?” questioned Govind Raj, another protester. “Every time an officer visits, we are fed new excuses. We’re tired of waiting.” Sources said BSNL officials did visit the site on May 29 but due to the continued absence of a signal, it remains unclear whether the issue has been addressed.

Villagers allege that the tussle over tower placement began three to four months ago. Despite multiple written representations from panchayats and memorandums from villagers, no concrete steps were taken, forcing them to resort to road blockades.

BSNL has reportedly erected 4G towers in several villages — Shaur, Thandal, Purthi, Rei, Mindhal, Kumar, Leu, Saichu, Tundru (Hudan), Luj and Sural — but most remain non-functional to date.

Residents say the government has falsely declared the region “digitally connected” simply based on the physical presence of towers.

“Whenever a minister or official visits the valley, we are told communication services will improve. But the ground reality remains unchanged,” alleged Promila Devi, a resident of Shaur.

With mounting frustration and broken promises, locals warn that stronger agitation will follow if their demand for operational mobile internet is not met promptly.