Mobile tower projects hit by official hurdles in Odisha; govt steps in

The construction of new mobile towers across Odisha has reportedly been affected due to alleged non-cooperation by government officials, prompting the state government to step in and issue firm directives to district collectors and urban local bodies. 

As per reports, in urban areas, officials are allegedly not cooperating with telecom companies.

According to official communication from the Information Technology and Electronics Department, several telecom companies have complained that officials on the ground are creating obstacles. 

In some instances, officials are accused of seizing construction materials and equipment, citing the absence of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), thereby delaying the projects. 

However, companies claim that the delay in project execution is largely due to slow or pending NOC approvals by the concerned authorities themselves, leading to enforcement.

The department has clarified that telecom companies are required to obtain NOCs through the TIFMS online portal and that approvals must be granted within a stipulated timeline. 

Despite this, allegations have surfaced that certain officials are compelling companies to submit offline No Objection Certificate applications.

Taking serious note of the situation, the state government has issued a letter to all district collectors, instructing them to treat the matter with urgency. 

The letter directs district administrations to immediately issue clear and strict instructions to field-level officials to ensure full cooperation with telecom service providers.