State digs in for sticking to DoT guidelines in erecting 4G towers

The government will ask municipal corporations across the state to ensure that Department of Telecommunications guidelines for installing 4G towers are stringently followed by mobile service operators.

Dr Ranjit Patil, minister of state for home, said that the government will take cognisance of the ill effects, if any, of the electromagnetic fields created by the mobile towers. Minding citizens' fears about radiation by 4G towers, the government will take expert help to assess how it affects health.

"Municipal corporations will be asked to implement the guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications stringently. No compromises will be tolerated in case of installation of towers," said Dr Patil.

Asked about Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) allowing the installation of towers in open spaces, gardens and playgrounds, the minister said that concerns of citizens will be taken into consideration. "The radiation levels emitted from mobile towers and the possible health hazards will be discussed with experts. The government is concerned," said Patil, adding that the state was reviewing the issue.