Chhattisgarh

• 17 Mar 2025

First Mobile Tower at Remote CRPF Base

Why in News? 

The first mobile phone tower was set up inside the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Tekulagudem village, a remote area in the Naxal-affected Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. 

• The initiative aligns with the Union Government’s goal to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026. 

 Key Points 

• BSNL Mobile Tower Operationalized: 
  • A Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) mobile tower is the first mobile connectivity facility in the area, benefiting both villagers and security personnel. 
  • The tower will serve Tekulagudem and nearby hamlets, including Timmapuram, Jonaguda, and Puvarti. 
    • The village is in Sukma district, which has been heavily affected by Naxal violence and shares a border with Bijapur in the Bastar region. 
• Special Initiative for Villagers: 
  • BSNL officials traveled from Sukma headquarters and Raipur to operationalize the tower. 
  • A special camp was organized to distribute and activate SIM cards for the local population. 

 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)  

• Inception and Evolution: 
  • The CRPF was initially established as the Crown Representatives Police in 1939 in response to political turmoil and unrest within the princely states. 
  • The force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949. 
  • Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then Home Minister, envisioned a multifaceted role for the CRPF, aligning its functions with the evolving needs of a newly independent nation. 
• Specialised Units: 
  • The CRPF has several specialised units, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), VIP Security Wing, and Mahila Battalions. 
• Achievements and Contributions: 
  • The force has thwarted attacks on important national landmarks, controlled militancy in Punjab and insurgency in Tripura, and made significant contributions to eradicating Naxalism. 
• Honouring the Bravehearts: 
  • The CRPF has paid a heavy price, with 2,255 of its soldiers making the supreme sacrifice and being honoured with decorations, including the George Cross, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc.