Mapping:
Source: PIB
Context: PM recently inaugurated the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection (KLI-SOFC) project during his visit to Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.
| About | Details |
| What is KLI-SOFC? | The Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection (KLI-SOFC) project, funded by the Universal Services Obligation Fund (Digital Bharat Nidhi) under the Department of Telecommunication, involves extending submarine cable connectivity from the mainland (Kochi) to eleven Lakshadweep Islands. |
| Location | Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. |
| Implementing Agency | Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is the Project Executing Agency. |
| Project Overview | KLI-SOFC project is a dedicated submarine optic fibre cable connecting Kochi to Lakshadweep Islands. Aimed at ensuring 100 times faster internet for the people of Lakshadweep. |
| Benefits | Faster and more reliable internet services. Facilitation of telemedicine, e-governance, educational initiatives, digital banking, and digital literacy. Aligns with ‘Digital India’ and ‘National Broadband Mission’ objectives, Strengthening services in Lakshadweep through FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) and 5G/4G mobile networks. |
| Other projects | The PM also dedicated a Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant for the conversion of seawater into potable water at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep. |
| What is LTTD? | LTTD is a process under which warm surface seawater is flash evaporated at low pressure and the vapour is condensed with cold deep seawater. |
| The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, designs, develops, and commissions LTTD plants in coastal locations. |
About Lakshadweep:
It is a union territory of India, comprising 36 islands situated between the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea. The name means “one lakh islands” in Malayalam and Sanskrit, though there are no more than a hundred islands. The total area is around 32 km2, forming the smallest union territory. Kavaratti is the capital, and the region falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court. The Union Territory was established in 1956 upon British departure. The majority follow Islam, particularly the Shafi school. The language spoken is Jeseri, with Dhivehi in Minicoy. The culture is similar to Mappilas in Kerala.
