Borivli’s IC Colony wants government to give in writing that the towers will not cause any harm to them.
Silence by the government agencies and no clear word on the health issues due to cell phone towers, residents of IC Colony, Borivli have objected to one coming in the neighbourhood.
They do not want a cell tower unless the government comes out with a clear policy and adverse health effects because of it. “We have opposed it because we do not have a problem with the towers as such but we fear the health hazards it could lead to. People say that within 35-40 sq m, there should be no radiation,” said Joseph Fernandes of Mayflower building in IC Colony.
Fernandes’s building, along with five more societies in the area, wants the cell tower from Alexio-B removed.
“Initially, the cell tower company had come to us as our building is the tallest. But we objected and did not allow it to come to our building. They then went scouting for permission from other buildings in the vicinity,” said Robert Gonsalves, another resident of Mayflower.
Parag Masurkar, assistant commissioner of R North ward, said, “Permission is given by the building and proposal department. I will check with them.”
“We got one of the neighbouring buildings to not accept the towers by explaining its harmful effects,” said Maria Remedios from Springfield building opposite the tower. The societies rejected Rs3.5 lakh for the same.
“The question is not about the money or the towers. We do not mind them coming up provided someone from the government gives it in writing that there are no health issues that could crop up later. We hear that they can lead to brain haemmorage,” Fernandes added.
The deputy chief engineer from the building proposal department from P and R wards, Deepak Kulkarni said that health department has not been approached as of now.
“The permissions are normally given to the companies if there is consent from the general body of the society. On the health aspect, since there is no directive from the government on seeking health department’s opinion, we do not approach them.”
Environment secretary Valsa Nair Singh said, “The draft guidelines are ready and are awaiting government approval. They should be out soon.”
I D’Souza, Alexio-B resident, said that no concerned person was present to comment on the issue. The society did not have any office or guard either for further enquiries.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}