Telecommunication is imperative for increasing awareness and knowledge regarding latest global happenings. It plays a significant role in key socio-economic development of the society. Both mobile and broadband industry has revolutionized the information sharing process in last one decade. Seeing the that high-speed network is the need of the hour, telecom companies set up mobile towers at different locations to ensure swift connectivity.
On one hand, these towers facilitate quick communication, harmful radiations emitting from the towers can influence child, pet and elderly health. In 2015, the UDH (Urban Development and Housing) department laid down the rules for Rajasthan Telecom Infrastructure Policy. Based on the guidelines issued by the Central Department of Telecommunication in 2013, the state policy specified perimeter and area requirements for setting up mobile towers in and around densely populated regions, especially schools, hospitals and research centres.
Why It’s Mandatory to Keep Mobile Towers away from Public Places?
Mobile radiations can cause detrimental effect on brain, like:
- Insomnia,
- Dizziness,
- Headaches,
- Neurosis,
- Low bone density,
- Stress,
- Infertility,
- Changes in brain activity,
- Brain Cancer.
This prompted the government authorities to take this step.
UDH sets Strict Punishments for Breaching Telecom Rules
Growing public concerns over harmful radiations emitted from these towers compelled the department to take strict action against the offenders. Now onwards, all telecom companies that have illegally erected their towers within 15 metre from schools, universities, hospitals and sports ground will be penalized heavily. The rules apply to state prisons and monuments, as well. Mobile towers aren’t allowed within 500 metre radius of jails and within 300 metre radius of protected historical buildings.
These companies will have to pay a fine worth Rs 10,000/annum to the local bodies. Should the company erect a TIT (Telecommunication infrastructure tower) they need to seek prior permission from the following authorities.
- Executive officer/commissioner for municipal areas,
- Sub-divisional Magistrate for rural areas,
- UDH secretary/Development authorities for rural areas,
- Archaeology Department for historical sites,
- A NOC issued by the traffic police.
Moreover, the department has fixed the deposit rate as Rs 1,000/km for laying down cables in the city. This amount needs to be deposited in advance. Failure to do so will encourage legal action against the companies. This might discourage them from breaching rules.
