“Ladakh Pushes Forward: 5th Meeting Reviews Progress on 4G Saturation Projects”

Leh, August 16, 2024: – The Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, UT of Ladakh Dr Pawan Kotwal convened a follow-up meeting to review the implementation progress and development of 4G Saturation Project in the Union Territory of Ladakh. This meeting follows a previous one held two weeks earlier, reflecting the administration’s commitment to accelerating the projects implementation. The project which includes the installation of 241 4G BTS/Tower sites, aims to extend voice and data connectivity to the remote districts. The meeting took place at the Civil Secretariat, Leh.

The discussion and deliberations focused on the developments since the last meeting, evaluating the measures taken to overcome the challenges identified earlier, including geographical barriers, adverse weather conditions, and logistical constraints. The meeting highlighted the importance of continuing the momentum and proposed further strategies to address any remaining bottlenecks.

To ensure consistent progress, it was resolved to strengthen the task force established in the previous meeting, with additional resources dedicated to weekly monitoring and reporting.

Dr Pawan Kotwal reiterated the critical importance of the 4G Saturation Project in bridging Ladakh’s digital divide, emphasising its potential to drive economic growth, enhance education, and improve healthcare service through telemedicine. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to fast-track the completion of the 4G saturation Project, recognizing its transformative impacts on Ladakh’s journey towards becoming a digitally inclusive region.

The meeting was attended by Amit Sharma, IAS, Secretary (IT/ Telecom)Administration of UT of Ladakh; Vikram Singh, IAS, Secretary (PDD);Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Leh; Kacho Feroz Khan, Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil; Dhawan Rawat, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Leh; Tundup Spalzang, SE (PDD); Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil; Sandeep Govil, Director (Mobile) BSNL Board; Saurabh Tyagi, CGM (T), BSNL, J&K Circle; Kush Kumar, PGM, BSNL, J&K and Ladakh UT; Hari Om Solanki, General Manager, BSNL, Leh; Siva Rao, Vice President, M/s Pace Digitech, Bengaluru; Kewal Kundan, Area Manager, TCS, Leh ; Brigadier, AS Bains, CSO, HQ 14 Corps; Col Tega Singh, Deputy Chief Signal Officer, HQ 14 Corps; Army 14 Corps (Signals): Col Sudeep Mishra, SM, Director Wks, (BRO, Himank); Lt Colonel Harbir Singh Gill, Joint Director, Works (BRO, Himank); Maj Ankur Laghate, Officer Commanding, 55RCC; Ram Krishan, AE (Civil) Kargil; Baljinder Lakha, AE (Civil) Mulbek; Col. Porje; General Manager (Kargil), NHIDCL; Aaqib Nazir Wani, Manager (Kargil), NHIDCL; Skalzang Dawa, Project Manager IT/Telecom, UT Ladakh. The officials stationed outside attended the meeting through VC.