Cells can close down mobile phone towers with high radiation

The Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) Cells, which citizens can approach to lodge complaints against high radiation from mobile phone towers, conduct random checks and have the authority to close down transmission from towers with radiation beyond the permissible limit.

The Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) Cells, which citizens can approach to lodge complaints against high radiation from mobile phone towers, conduct random checks and have the authority to close down transmission from towers with radiation beyond the permissible limit.

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“Random checks of radiation levels are conducted by us, but if any specific complaint is made to us, we examine the site. If radiations levels are found to be above permissible limits, the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites can be closed down,” said Monisha Biswas, head of the TERM cell in Mumbai.

The TERM cells were formed by the Centre to inspect premises of telecom and internet service providers, monitor network parameters — including permissible levels of radiation — and curb illegal activities of telecom services.

HT on Friday had reported that of the 3,705 mobile phone towers across the city, 1,830 are illegal. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which discovered this fact last June when it conducted a survey of mobile phone towers, has done nothing for the past 13 months to remove the illegal towers. So far, officials have taken action against only 140 illegal towers.