Wireless communication is burgeoning and one of the fastest growing segments of the economy. Telecom towers are basic installation and are the backbone of any cellular service. However, there are fears that electromagnetic radiations from these towers can have a detrimental effect on the health of the population residing in them. However, the electromagnetic field emissions from these towers are much below the norms enforced by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT).
JS Deepak DoT Secretary said that there is no reason to fear that EMF radiations from mobile towers can have a detrimental effect on the health of people because they are much below the safe limits which have been specified by DoT and WHO.
This was stated by the DoT secretary at an event organised in the capital to increase awareness about emissions from mobile towers. The Department of Telecom has some of the strictest emission norms for mobile towers anywhere in the world. The upper limits are ten times more stringent than the limits recommended by ICNIRP and WHO. In fact, the EMF norms are even stricter than those recommended in advanced countries which include the US, the UK, and the EU. The government has appointed a watchdog to see that telecom service providers adhere to these strict guidelines and there are provisions for a hefty penalty if they are flouted.
The country is seeing a rapid expansion of the wireless services for voice and web applications. Indian PM wants to make India digital, and Telecom towers are crucial for the rapid growth of wireless services across the length and breadth of the nation.
Misapprehension about emissions from mobile towers makes it difficult for telecom service providers to erect towers especially in rural India where there is a need of rapid spread of telecom services. It could effectively derail this endeavour.
