The Odisha government has sanctioned Rs. 116.09 crores to provide the erstwhile far-flung and undeveloped regions, collectively termed ‘Swabhiman Anchal’ of Malkangiri, with cellular connectivity for the first time since its formation. The fund has been sanctioned under the Socio-Economic Transformation and Upliftment (SETU) scheme during the past three years to seek further development of the region.
Mobile connectivity in the region has started from Monday. Services of Airtel are now operational in Hantaguda, Tikilipadara, Jantasahi and Barlabeda in the Malkangiri district. The region had remained under low administrative interest mostly because of high Naxalite presence. In recent years, with the integrated intervention of the Odisha Police and the state government, there has been a reduction in violence and noticeable green sprouts in development have come by.
As per estimates, nearly 30,000 residents of the area could benefit from the introduction of network facilities. Earlier, the establishment of two BSF camps in Hantalaguda and Badapada villages had ensured smooth installation of mobile towers. To further connect these regions with the mainland, the Gurupriya Bridge was inaugurated.
During his visit to the Malkangiri district last week, Odisha DGP Abhay had remarked that there has been a major development in the last six months. Alongside the installation of mobile towers, road construction projects have also been undertaken by the State to improve connectivity.