Milind Deora, Minister of state for IT, communications and shipping, said on Saturday that the BMC’s revised mobile tower policy was in tune with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines and should be implemented immediately. Deora’s comments, however, are in complete contrast with the cellular operators’ beliefs about the policy being arbitrary.
“It appears that the civic body is adhering to the advisory guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT). If that is the case, that’s good news. But it should implemented immediately, both in letter and spirit,” Deora told dna.
As per the civic body’s revised mobile tower policy, the consent of 70% of the residents of a building is required for telecom companies to install mobile towers in the building. It also bans the installation of mobile tower antennae on the roofs of and within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, children correction homes, senior citizens’ homes, hostels and orphanages. The policy was approved by Kunte last week. It will now be placed before the standing committee for approval.
However, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has written to civic chief Sitarum Kunte against the policy terming it ‘arbitrary’. They now plan to meet the chief minster next week.
“The BMC should appoint a district and city level committee with the DoT and Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) cell to work with radiation related issues,” added Deora.
In addition, the department has allowed only one mobile tower per building across the city. When asked about this cap, Deora said, “Every municipality should decide based on their views. We have been very clear that radiation should not be the civic body’s issue and should be handled by DoT. The DoT and civic body need to work together.”
What’s new
BMC’s revised mobile tower policy mentions that the consent of 70% of the residents of a building is required for telecom companies to install mobile towers in the building.
The department has allowed only one mobile tower per building across the city
It also bans the installation of mobile tower antennae on the roofs of and within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, children correction homes, senior citizens’ homes, hostels and orphanages.
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