The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the Kochi-Lakshadweep islands submarine optical fiber connection (KLI-SOFC) project, along with various other developmental projects. These projects span across several fields including technology, energy, water resources, healthcare, and education.
Background: Digital Infrastructure Needs of Lakshadweep Islands
Due to limitations in satellite communication and growing demand for broadband, Lakshadweep islands required a high-capacity submarine cable link to ensure digital connectivity. The KLI-SOFC project comes as a response to these needs, aiming to enhance internet speed, thereby unlocking new opportunities.
Details About the KLI-SOFC Project
The KLI-SOFC project, the first of its kind since India’s independence, introduces Submarine Optic Fiber Cable connectivity in Lakshadweep. This technology utilizes light pulses to transmit information along a glass or plastic fiber. The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) funded the project with the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), appointing Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as the Project Executing Agency. Furthermore, the project has extended submarine cable connectivity from the mainland (Kochi) to eleven Lakshadweep Islands.
Significance and Impact of the KLI-SOFC Project
Aligning with the goals of ‘Digital India’ and ‘National Broadband Mission,’ the KLI-SOFC project is set to foster e-governance projects in Lakshadweep and bring about significant improvements in sectors such as tourism, education, health, commerce, and industries. High-speed wireline broadband connectivity provided by the project will be facilitated via Fibre to the Home (FTTH) and 5G/4G Mobile network technologies, benefiting the island’s population and contributing to socio-economic development. Additionally, all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) will have access to the bandwidth generated by the project, reinforcing telecom services in the area.
Other Developmental Projects in Lakshadweep Islands
Several other projects were also inaugurated, including a Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) Plant that produces clean drinking water, Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) in two islands, a battery-backed solar power project, renovations of a primary health care facility, and construction of model Anganwadi Centres.
Key Facts About the Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, is an archipelago of 36 islands spread over 32 sq km. It is around 220 to 440 km away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala. The name ‘Lakshadweep,’ in Malayalam and Sanskrit, translates to ‘a hundred thousand islands’. Known for its tropical climate, the territory’s entire indigenous population has been classified as Scheduled Tribes due to their socio-economic conditions. In 2020, the Lakshadweep Islands administration established the world’s first conservation area dedicated to sea cucumbers, termed Dr. KK Mohammed Koya Sea Cucumber Conservation Reserve.
Conclusion: The Crucial Role of the KLI-SOFC Project
The KLI-SOFC project plays a vital role in enhancing the digital infrastructure of the Lakshadweep Islands. Not only does it improve connectivity, but it also contributes to socio-economic development by impacting various sectors and improving the standard of living on the islands. Along with other developmental projects, it signals the government’s commitment to developing this beautiful yet remote territory.
