From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Sep 2: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the youth and women’s organisations of Umsaw Nongbri village in Ri-Bhoi District has issued a one-month ultimatum to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to dismantle a mobile tower that has been non-functional for years, and now poses danger to the local residents.
Speaking to media persons, the JAC members aired concern about the mobile tower’s deteriorating condition, describing it as weak, unstable, and a serious threat to the safety of nearby villagers.
According to them, the mobile tower, which is situated dangerously close to residential homes, a school, a community hall, an Anganwadi centre and a church, has become increasingly weak and unstable.
They also alleged that during strong winds, parts of the mobile tower have been seen detaching, with metal components becoming loose, causing a rattling noise that suggests an imminent collapse.
The JAC members also revealed that despite multiple written requests from the village and the Presbyterian Church to BSNL authorities over the past years, asking for the dismantling of the mobile tower, no action has been taken.
According to them, the mobile tower has been non-operational since its construction in 2007 and remains abandoned in the Lum area of Umsaw Nongbri village.
In this regard, the JAC has given BSNL a one-month deadline to remove the mobile tower. They have also warned of resorting to stronger measures if their demand goes unheeded.