Indore civic body may go for regularising phone towers

After the demolition of at least 14 telephone towers from different parts of the city last week, the Indore Municipal Corporation is now considering whether it should continue its high-handed approach against the violation of rules or regularise the towers with a penalty to facilitate seamless telephonic connectivity to residents.

After the demolition of at least 14 telephone towers from different parts of the city last week, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is now considering whether it should continue its high-handed approach against the violation of rules or regularise the towers with a penalty to facilitate seamless telephonic connectivity to residents.

The IMC has identified as many as 100 towers in Indore which have been set up in contravention to the rules of the corporation. (File photo)

So far, the Indore Municipal Corporation has identified as many as 100 towers in the city which have been set up in contravention to the rules of the corporation.

“Out of 100 towers identified so far, 80 belong to Bharati Infratel - a sister concern of Bharti Airtel, and 15 belong to Reliance Infratel Limited,” he further said.

“Acting against violations would require large political will, because big corporates who operate networks acoss the world are involved. Officials cannot proceed without involving their political bosses,” said a highly placed official, who requested for anonymity. After action from the corporation, last week the Airtel company officials met city mayor and civic officials to clarify their stand. The officials coming out of the meeting quoted that the ‘discussions were positive’. After writing an application for setting up a tower, telecom infrastructure companies have to submit to the corporation a processing fee of Rs 1,000, maps of the building, structure stability letter, a letter of undertaking, tax clearances of the particular building, NOC from airport authorities, and an NOC from people living in the building.