In Search of Signal: The Struggles of Shalachua's Residents in a Digital Age

Connectivity Challenges in Shalachua

Anandapur: In the secluded village of Shalachua, located at the border of Keonjhar's Anandapur block and Mayurbhanj district, residents find themselves trapped in a technological time capsule. While urban India embraces the rapid rollout of 5G and advanced telecommunications, the villagers resort to climbing trees to capture a fleeting mobile signal, highlighting the stark digital divide that exists in rural regions.

Shalachua, surrounded by lush forests and hills, is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities and lacks any mobile towers in its vicinity. This absence of basic network services compels locals to ascend tall trees in search of a weak and often unreliable signal, with no guarantee of success.

Durlabh Nayak, a local resident, expressed his frustration: “We climb, but the network is rarely there.”

The lack of connectivity significantly disrupts everyday life. Residents struggle to access government services and contact emergency responders, facing constant obstacles. Living in proximity to wildlife, the village is plagued by fears of animal attacks, and without dependable communication, reaching the Forest department or medical assistance during emergencies becomes nearly impossible. Students are also affected, unable to utilize online resources or communicate effectively for their education. At night, the village experiences what locals refer to as a “mobile blackout,” leaving them entirely disconnected.

Despite the telecom industry's growth in urban areas and along major roads, remote villages like Shalachua remain neglected by service providers eager to expand their networks.

Villagers, including Kshirod Nayak, Muna Nayak, Rabindra Nayak, Kabindra Nayak, and Ballabh Nayak, have voiced their concerns and urged the administration to install a mobile tower to provide essential communication services and connect them to government initiatives.

For now, the residents of Shalachua continue their treacherous climbs, yearning for a day when reliable connectivity is no longer just a distant aspiration.