Pvt operators did not offer adequate support in Leh: Pilot

NEW DELHI: The government has expressed its unhappiness with private telecom operators for not coming forward to join hands in restoring communication links in cloudburst-hit Leh but lauded state-owned BSNL for its quick response.

"I am disheartened to see that the private operators did not offer adequate support for the people of Leh...At this hour of distress, as a responsible corporate citizen the telcos should have taken some initiative and offered a helping hand to people," Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Telecom and IT, said when asked about the communication situation the region.

However, he appreciated the efforts of BSNL in restoring basic communication in the region within 24 hours of the tragedy.

A number of private mobile service providers operate in Leh, besides state-run BSNL.

On August 6, there was a cloud burst that triggered torrential rains, flash flood and mudslide in Leh. All networks became non operational, as telecom equipments were washed away.

Due to the cloudburst the BSNL exchange at Nimu Leh got damaged and as a result of which the entire BSNL communication with Leh got severed.

However, the telco immediately arranged for 35 satellite mobile phones that were given to Leh district administration for meeting communication requirements.

BSNL equipments were airlifted and sent to Leh. The Minister promised to help restore mobile and telecom connectivity at the earliest.

"Already, ten telecom towers of BSNL are operational in Leh," he added.