NEW DELHI, May 17:
Observing that electromagnetic radiation from cell towers are a matter of “great concern”, a parliamentary panel has asked the Environment Ministry to address the issue “comprehensively” and evolve a mechanism to create awareness among the people.
The committee on Demands for Grants (2015-16) of the Environment Ministry, chaired by former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar, has also urged the Ministry to implement the judgments of various courts on the matter immediately.
“The committee recommends that the Ministry should evolve a mechanism to create awareness on the subject among the people… This issue has to be addressed comprehensively and public hearings with stakeholders should be the basis for further action… The judgments of various courts on this issue need to be implemented forthwith,” the committee said.
The committee noted that the Environment Ministry continues to maintain its “indifference” towards the issue of e-radiation from cell towers, despite it being a matter of “great concern” because of its reported impact on health of humans, animals, birds and honeybees.
The Department of Telecommunication in its deposition before the committee had informed that norms for exposure limit for radio frequency has been reduced to 1/10th of the existing limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and there was a difference of opinion on the impact of radiation from cell towers on health of citizens.
“There is a need to effectively monitor the effect of radiation from cell towers etc. And the number of inspectors available for the purpose needs to be significantly enhanced by the concerned Administrative Ministry,” the panel noted. (PTI)
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