Cell Towers in Vashi building causes health scare
Cell tower sites consist of antennas and electronic equipment to send and receive mobile waves, which are essential in ensuring uninterrupted communication. However, they come bundled with health problems related to radiation. The risks increase even more in residential areas, where companies prefer to set up their communication at high rise buildings. The presence of one such tower has raised a storm in Alaknanda CHS Ltd, near PKC hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
The residents claim that several protest letters and reminders were sent to civic authorities, but to no avail. Their worries stem from the rising health problems amongst the residents and the unconcerned attitude of the civic authorities.
According to Dr. Prashant Aroskar, who is a resident of nearby Poorna CHS, “These towers are illegal. As per NMMC records, only one operator per building, MTNL and Idea, were permitted earlier. The permission expired a long time ago. Many new antennas were added since 2010. The radiations from these towers are causing health problems to society members and also residents of nearby buildings”. He has accused Alaknanda CHS management of being monetarily influenced and of plans to add additional illegal cell towers.
However, Chairman of Alaknanda CHS Neeraj Bakshi countered by saying, “Society decisions are not taken by one person. We go by majority. Whatever is done is done with due permission from the NMMC.”
To read the full report published in The Times of India on 20 Sep 2013, click here : http://bit.ly/16dXkoW.
