Is there any regulatory mechanism for mobile towers in residential areas?
24 Apr, 2013Applications were filed with different departments of the government under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking to know about government’s policy on installation of mobile towers in residential areas.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in its response to the query, has said that it has not issued any guidelines specifically regarding the installation of mobile towers in residential localities. Replies from other departments are still awaited. The applicant, who lost his son due to alleged radiation-generated cancer, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with the Delhi High Court seeking the removal of mobile towers from residential and educational premises.
It has been claimed on the basis of a number of studies that radiations from mobile towers can be extremely hazardous for human health. The Rajasthan High Court had, in another case, cited an inter-ministerial report showing reports on harmful effects of mobile tower radiation on human health.
The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the central government as well as the state government on the matter.