Relocation of mobile towers: Mumbaiites write to SC

Raising concerns over the need for stringent laws for installation of mobile phone towers, citizen groups in the city have submitted a letter to the Supreme Court, which will hear the plea of cellular operators on Wednesday.

Raising concerns over the need for stringent laws for installation of mobile phone towers, citizen groups in the city have submitted a letter to the Supreme Court, which will hear the plea of cellular operators on Wednesday.

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In November 2012, the Rajasthan high court had ordered the relocation of mobile phone towers from educational institutions, hospitals and playgrounds in the state within two months, citing “harmful electromagnetic radiation”.

Last month, the apex court had granted a three-week extension to operators for relocating their existing towers, and decided to hear their plea. The hearing is scheduled on Wednesday.

“We feel there are enough reasons to justify our claim that there is a link between health hazards faced by citizens of India and electromagnetic field radiation from mobile towers,” states the letter.

The letter, which has been signed by several citizens’ groups including Carmichael Road Residents’ Association, Cuffe Parade Residents’ Association, Action Against Cell Towers (Bandra) and Indian For Safe Environment amongst other groups, doctors and telecom experts, has enlisted the concerns of Mumbaiites.