NEW DELHI, May 7: Union MoS for Communications Manoj Sinha, responding to a letter submitted by Lok Sabha Member Ninong Ering in November last year regarding the poor BSNL network in certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh, said on 1 May that after examination, it has been found that the optical fibre cable (OFC) network has been damaged extensively due to ongoing construction work for the Trans-Arunachal Highway.
“Being a hilly terrain, it is very difficult to provide and maintain the OFC network, but the BSNL has taken steps to maintain connectivity and to overcome the problem.
The steps included satellite link provided in the district HQs of Pangin, Tawang, Seppa, Aalo, Yingkiong, Anini, Daporizo, Changlang, Koloriang, Hawai and Palin, and microwave link provided in the district HQs of Bomdila, Pasighat, Likabali, Tezu, Khonsa, Namsai and Longding.
“Moreover, Itanagar has been provided with alternative connectivity with Guwahati, Kolkata, Dimapur and Tezpur on the PGCIL bandwidth to increase reliability and uninterrupted connectivity. Steps are being taken to offer connectivity to new Kamle, Shi-Yomi and Pakke-Kessang district HQs. The BSNL has already been allocated a frequency spectrum in the 7 GHz band for the deployment of microwave systems, and action for procurement of equipment has been initiated,” Sinha said.
Access spectrum in the 800/900/1800/2100/2500 MHz band has also been assigned to the BSNL in the Northeast service area, the MoS said, adding that recommendations have been sought from the TRAI on the methodology of allotment of spectrum for the MWA/MWB spectrum to telecom service providers and charging thereof.
Draft policy on silt mgmt being finalized
On 6 February, Ering had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submitted a letter regarding water sharing with China, and requested the PM to expedite the formalization of a national policy of silt management in Indian rivers.
In this regard, Ering submitted a detailed research report listing all the feasible options prepared under his guidance by a team of experts.
The draft national policy on sediment management has been revised and it is now in the final shape.
On 30 April, replying to the MP’s letter, Union MoS for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal said the draft policy on sediment management was circulated to all states and union territories and the central ministries and departments concerned for comments.
“In view of the comments received, the draft policy on sediment management has been revised and is under finalization,” said Meghwal.
Regarding the water sharing issue between India and China, Meghwal informed Ering that “India does not have any treaty with China on sharing of the Brahmaputra’s waters. However, a few MoUs have been signed regarding sharing of hydrological information on trans-border rivers.”
