Team Herald
PONDA: In stark contrast to the ‘digital revolution’ in urban areas, Bolkarne, a remote locality in Sacorda Village Panchayat, faces significant mobile connectivity challenges. The sole BSNL mobile tower in the area ceases to function during power outages due to the absence of a power backup or generator facility, hampering communication for residents, leaving them unable to even call an ambulance during health emergencies.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Locals have voiced their frustration at Gram sabhas, highlighting the difficulties in contacting emergency services like fire or police during power outages. Many villagers and students are compelled to travel five to six kilometres to Mollem for mobile range and internet access. Bolkarne falls under the Savordem Constituency.
Suraj Garad, a local resident, stressed the importance of mobile technology for rural students, stating, “Today, mobile phones are essential for school assignments, accessing syllabi, and receiving updates. Even for gas bookings, OTPs are required. The Tamdi Surla Temple near Bolkarne is a tourist attraction, and during power outages, reaching out to emergency services becomes a challenge. Any minor power supply breakdown leads to the non-functioning of the BSNL mobile tower, disrupting communication. In this rural area, we rely solely on BSNL, while city dwellers have so many other options.” He urged the government to enhance mobile connectivity and ensure reliable backup systems for power supply breakdowns.
Sacorda Sarpanch Priya Khandeparkar also spoke on the matter, noting that the village has a population of around 2,500. She recalled the improvement in mobile connectivity following the tower’s installation in 2019, which lasted for two years before issues resurfaced with every power outage. “Tourists visiting the ancient Tambdi Surla temple also encounter connectivity problems. BSNL and the government must take proactive measures to resolve the mobile tower and net connectivity issues. Today, not only do students struggle to complete assignments, but locals also find it challenging to contact ambulances during emergencies. Many are forced to travel long distances or reach out to relatives in Mollem. Tourists also face difficulties making online payments through GPay and other platforms.”
