In what might be viewed as a major relief for tourists and pilgrims the Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNl) has started the operation of its mobile phone service in the Valley of Flowers and the lokpal-Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage route.
Facilitation of mobile phone connectivity in this high altitude region of Chamoli district will now enable visitors from across the nation and abroad to remain in contact with their relatives and other connections without inconvenience while undertaking either pilgrimage or a visit to this religiously and environmentally important area.
There is enthusiasm among the visitors and those involved in various trades related to tourism and pilgrimage with mobile phone connectivity being facilitated properly for the first time on this route. So far, there was no mobile phone connectivity provided by any telecom service provider company on this important route. The BSNl has started its mobile phone facility for the first time in this region covering ten valleys.
It is pertinent to mention here that till now, on the route to lokpal-Hemkund there was no phone connectivity available on the route after Govindghat. After installation of a mobile phone tower by the BSNl, the service will be available in a six kilometre radius area. Following this, pilgrims to lokpal-Hemkund will be able to access the communication facility on the route upto Pulna Hemkund.
The tourists visiting the Valley of Flower will also benefit from this telecommunication facility. The BSNl general manager M lal said that a mobile phone tower has been set up Ghangharia with its operation also being started. Due to this, the pilgrims will now not have to face inconvenience in absence of mobile phone connectivity on the route.