Pitching in on the current debate on the possible danger of cellphone radiation, the Environment Ministry says a review of available scientific information by its panel of experts shows that “electromagnetic radiations interfere with the biological systems.” Accordingly, it has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) not to allow new mobile towers to be constructed within a one-kilometre radius of the existing towers.
The advisory was issued by the Ministry after it received the report of an expert committee set up two years ago to study the possible impacts of the half a million strong network of communication towers on wildlife, including birds and bees. There has been widespread concern that radiation from such towers is responsible for the declining population of birds such as sparrows, and bees which are vital for the pollination of many plant species and hence a key part of both agricultural economy and natural ecosystems.
This has been paralleled by unease among some urban residents over the effect of mobile tower radiation in their own neighbourhoods, prompting the Prime Minister to set up a panel last month, mandated to work out a new set of guidelines to prevent the adverse impact of such radiation in tune with global norms. The DoT says there is not enough scientific proof that mobile towers are a threat to human health.
While the Ministry’s advisory is directed towards the Central and State agencies and local bodies, the Ministry has special advice for the DoT.
“To prevent overlapping of high radiation fields, new towers should not be permitted within a radius of one kilometre of the existing towers. Sharing of passive infrastructure if made mandatory for Telecom Service Providers can minimise need of having additional towers,” it said.
Precautions should also be taken to ensure that any new towers do not obstruct the flight path of birds, or increase the combined radiation of all towers in the area.
The location and frequency of all towers should be put in the public domain, with GIS mapping to help monitor the population of birds and bees or the welfare of animals in protected wildlife areas.
The Forest Department must be consulted before any towers are installed near zoos or any wildlife protected zones.
The Indian standard on safe limits of exposure must be urgently refined, added the Ministry.
Keywords: Cellphone radiation, Environment Ministry, panel of experts, Department of Telecommunications
If the ministry's "Panel of Experts" think that "electromagnetic radiation" from cell phones and cell phone towers "interfere with the biological systems," they are WRONG. One may recall that two years ago Dr Brahmachari, DG CSIR, gave a lucid statement on "radiation" from "cell phones" and the towers, dismissing suggestions that it is harmful. As a scientist myself, I agree totally. The scare created is similar to that about radio waves in the early days of radio broadcasting. It may be noted that FM radio, TV, the Internet and WiFi, and cordless phones also use electromagnetic radiation of similar wavelengths and intensities. Why are the alarmists not up against them too? Is it possible that some "scientists" exploiting the gullibility of laymen to get research grants for "studying" the alleged "harmful" effects.
On what basis the towers are installation at residential is unclear. In Chennai Tambaram East the towers are installed in residential area where quite a lot of young children live. When discussed with the locals I understand this tower was constructed without proper permit or approvals. The owner who leased the area to the mobile service provider wants to make money at the cost of others health. Can the authorities’ step-in probe the matter? The engineer who approved this construction should be penalized and should be arrested for wrongdoing.
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