‘Tower’ing problem on hand for SCB

Notices to mobile firms, building owners for installing towers without permission

The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is planning to issue notices to mobile phone firms and building owners for installing towers atop their houses without obtaining permission from it.

The SCB launched a special survey to detect the number of mobile towers installed in the cantonment a few days ago. About 100 such towers were found in Marredpally, Picket, AOC, Balamrai, Bolarum, Lothukunta and other areas till date.

Only fifty per cent of the SCB area was surveyed and we expect there could be over 250 such towers across the cantonment limits.

According to the board records, permission was not sought by either building owners or the mobile phone companies for installation of towers, said SCB Chief Executive Officer Sujatha Gupta.

According to the Ministry of Defence policy, telecommunication companies need to obtain permission from the board to install mobile towers in different areas.

This was mainly because of the security implications since many defence establishments, training institutes were housed in the cantonment, she said.

Health concerns

Apart from defence authorities’ reservations, there have been a few complaints over installations of such towers from residents, citing health concerns.

In a few days, notices would be issued to both building owners and companies to submit installation permission documents and other necessary papers such as no objection certificate from defence authorities, she said.

“If the building owners have entered into agreements with the companies over installation of such towers, then they have to cough up more tax to the board. A penalty of Rs.1 lakh will be levied,” said Ms. Gupta.

Toll-free number

In another initiative, the SCB planned to launch a toll free number for the convenience of residents to lodge complaints and seek any information.

This would be either done through AP Online or GHMC toll free service and residents could complain about unauthorised constructions in their vicinity or any civic issue. It would be launched in two weeks, she said.