Telecom network working at 85% capacity in Cyclone Amphan-hit areas of West Bengal

Telecom service-providers were able to restore connectivity to only 80-85 per cent capacity level in areas of West Bengal hit by super cyclone Amphan due to erratic power supply, continued fibre cuts and obstruction by people protesting against disruption in electricity and water supply, industry body COAI said on Monday. Earlier in day, Department of Telecom had asked companies to bring connectivity level to 95 per cent by Monday evening.

" overall telecom network has been restored to about 85 per cent level. main reasons are erratic power supply, fibre cuts and problems in reaching places because roads are blocked by fallen trees and also obstruction by agitated people," COAI Director General Rajan S Maws told PTI.

He said that people in some parts of Kolkata, and rth and South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal gheraoed telecom personnel who went to restore mobile towers.

"People have been agitating that y are t getting electricity. Hence, y block teams from restoration work. Fibre cuts have come down, but still going on," Maws said.

According to Tower & Infrastructure Providers Association (TAIPA), power supply situation in Kolkata has improved immensely, but it will take a while for electricity to get stable.

"Diesel generators, batteries and field rescue team are kept on readiness in case any situation arises. 90 per cent of connectivity of private players has been restored in most of areas of West Bengal, and Kolkata, rth and South Parganas still remains a challenge," TAIPA Director General T R Dua said.

industry has also requested Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to help m in availability of diesel in some of areas like rth 24 and South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore and Howrah. " matter has been taken furr by DoT for smooth operations," Dua said. According to industry sources, government-run BSNL is working only at 60-65 per cent capacity due to which overall connectivity is w between 80-85 per cent, while 90 per cent of capacity of private operators has been restored. However, BSNL denied claim. BSNL Chairman and Managing Director P K Purwar said that company's network is working at 75 per cent level in Kolkata circle.

Earlier in day, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, in a tweet, said that he spoke to Telecom Secretary Anshu Prakash, BSNL CMD and Chief General Manrs (CGMs) of West Bengal and Odisha.

"Asked m to expedite restoration of telephone lines. y are doing ir best though re are issues of power supply & removal of uprooted trees. Told m to work with local authorities & get it expedited," Prasad said.

Later in evening, telecom minister updated that network of BSNL has been restored in Odisha. "Chief General Manr (CGM) @BSNLCorporate of #Odisha circle has informed me that restoration work of BSNL telecom network in state has been completed w," Prasad said. Network of private operators was restored a day after cyclone Amphan hit Odisha coast, according to industry bodies.