DC Kishtwar Directs Fast-Track Expansion of 4G Saturation & 5G Infrastructure
KISHTWAR, March 06, 2026 — In a strategic push to bridge the digital divide in the region, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, chaired a pivotal District Telecom Committee (DTC) meeting today. The session focused on concrete steps to accelerate 4G saturation and catalyze the rollout of 5G infrastructure, while simultaneously strengthening the protection of existing utility assets.
Fast-Tracking the Digital Highway
The administration is doubling down on its commitment to universal connectivity. During the meeting, DC Sharma emphasized the urgency of completing the 4G saturation project, ensuring that even the most remote pockets of Kishtwar are integrated into the modern digital landscape.
The discussion also pivoted toward future-proofing the district with 5G technology. To clear existing hurdles, the DC directed the Chief Planning Officer (CPO) to resolve technical access issues on the PM Gati Shakti portal. This portal is essential for the systematic mapping of “street furniture”—the physical infrastructure required to support 5G small-cell deployments.
Streamlining Infrastructure Growth
Physical expansion remains a priority, with the committee actively working to clear land-use hurdles. The DC confirmed that BSNL has finalized key locations for new telecom towers. He issued a firm directive to all relevant departments to expedite the transfer of state land, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic delays that have historically hindered tower installation.
Safeguarding Vital Networks: The “Call Before You Dig” Initiative
A major highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on protecting existing underground cables from accidental damage during civil construction projects. The district is moving to mandate the use of the “Call Before You Dig” (CBuD) App.
“Close coordination between all stakeholder departments is essential,” stated DC Pankaj Kumar Sharma. “We must ensure the smooth execution, maintenance, and expansion of telecom services to meet the growing needs of our citizens.”
To operationalize this, the Superintending Engineer of PWD (R&B) has been tasked with activating district authority IDs on the platform, creating a safer environment for utility infrastructure during infrastructure development works.
Accountability and Public Service
Beyond large-scale projects, the DC conducted a rigorous review of public grievances funneled through the License Service Area (LSA). Officials were instructed to produce detailed action-taken reports to ensure that network complaints from citizens are addressed with urgency and transparency.
The meeting was attended by a broad cross-section of district leadership, including ADC Sh. Pawan Kotwal, ASP Pardeep Singh, ACR Idrees Lone, ACD Manoj Kumar, and DIO NIC Faizal Khan, underscoring a unified, multi-departmental approach to digital governance.
