Munnar: A truck-mounted mobile tower, purchased by the State Government for use during emergencies, now lies abandoned at Devikulam, overtaken by rust and weeds. The vehicle, tower, and generator, together worth several lakhs of rupees, have been left to decay near the Edamalakkudy camp office.

The unit was procured in the aftermath of the devastating Pettimudy landslide on August 6, 2020, which came to light only the next day due to the complete absence of communication facilities in the region.

In response, authorities brought in the mobile tower unit, equipped with a generator and ancillary devices, within a month, with the aim of ensuring connectivity in disaster-hit areas and enabling faster dissemination of information.

Stationed at the Edamalakudy panchayat camp office premises near the DFO office, the tower has remained idle for nearly five years. With no upkeep or use, much of the unit has already been rendered unusable.