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City sees widespread backlash against 4G towers in public spaces

Mobile companies will be allowed to install 4G towers in public spaces and gardens in the city, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided. Citizens of Mumbai have opposed this move, because it will reduce their already shrinking open spaces, and subject them to radiation generated by the towers.

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Mobile companies will be allowed to install 4G towers in public spaces and gardens in the city, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided. Citizens of Mumbai have opposed this move, because it will reduce their already shrinking open spaces, and subject them to radiation generated by the towers.

Protests against 4G mobile towers are occurring the world over. "Any new technology creates anxiety in the minds of people and that creates phobia. Even Mumbai is going through the same," claimed an industry source.

The citizens are not relenting. Residents from different areas have come forward to oppose the installation of mobile towers in their area. On Sunday, MP Kirit Somaiya, with residents of Mulund, visited a municipal playground where a mobile tower was being installed. Somaiya filed an FIR against the contractor after having an argument with the people installing the tower.

Recently, a mobile tower was removed from Almeida Park in Bandra west because of efforts by local residents and Asif Zakaria, local Congress corporator. "Our gardens and playgrounds are the only green lungs of our otherwise space-crunched city. It's frightening to imagine such mobile towers in gardens with boards reading 'Radiation – Stay away'. That might put to question the entire existence of our open spaces. I, along with the other local residents, will object to such installations so as to make the government rethink the policy on mobile towers," said Zakaria.

"BMC is no authority to take unilateral decisions with any corporate company for installation of obnoxious towers in open spaces and residential areas in the city. BMC must ensure that they keep residents informed and appraised of such projects that affect the taxpayers and society at large. My area has an open space in the midst of a religious and academic institution as well as slums. I will strongly object to any such move in my area", said Daphne Warapen, activist from Chuim Village, Bandra.

Hina Shroff, an activist from VileParle said that a proposed 4G tower at Dhanjibhai municipal playground in her locality lies between three schools and two colleges. "The residents' association has mailed all authorities concerned with the issue. The local MLA, too, has been requested to help us in getting the tower removed. If they do not, citizens will agitate. We will at no cost allow it in our open spaces," Shroff said.

Anil Joseph, activist from Perry Road, demanded that Mumbai MPs force the government to do a comprehensive study on cell phone towers atop buildings and those on open spaces.
 

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