Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 August 2023
In a significant development aimed at bridging the digital divide, the State Wide Area Network (SWAN) and District Communication Network (DCN) Project, spearheaded by SOVTECH, has successfully extended internet connectivity to the offices of various government departments on the remote Teressa, Katchal, and Chowra Islands.
The launch of this project heralds a new era for these islands, as several government departments now gain access to reliable internet services, enhancing their ability to function efficiently and provide essential services to the local communities.
In Teressa Island, a range of government offices now have internet access, including the Police Station, GSS Bengali Medium School, Civil Supply Department, Primary Health Centre (PHC), Site Office of the Electricity Department, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Fire Station, and Fair Price Shops No. 632 and 633. The introduction of internet services to these offices will significantly improve communication and data exchange, ultimately benefiting the residents of Teressa.
In Chowra Island, the Government Senior Secondary School (GSS) and Fair Price Shop No. 701 now have access to the internet. This connectivity will undoubtedly enhance the educational resources available to students and improve the efficiency of the fair price shop operations.
In Katchal Island, the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Police Station, Government Senior Secondary School (GSS), Mildera, and the Site Office of the Electricity Department have all been connected to the internet. This connectivity will bolster healthcare services and administrative functions on the island.
These developments mark a significant step forward for the residents of Teressa, Chowra, and Katchal Islands, who have long awaited access to the benefits of the digital age. Importantly, it should be noted that these islands were are not connected to the Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Optical Fibre Cable, making this project even more crucial.