Khar locals up in arms against mobile tower plans of neighbouring building

Earlier, we have had instances where radiations from other towers affected the health of several people in the neighbouring societies, including some who were suffering from cancer. ANUPAM KAPADIA , resident of Enchante Society

MUMBAI: Residents from around 12 housing societies on the 14th and 15th Roads in Khar protested against the construction of cellphone towers inside Mangal Mahesh Co-operative Housing Society (CHS) Limited, saying the radiation emitted from them could adversely affect their health.

“The society is planning to put a mobile tower from a service provider. Earlier, we have had instances where radiations from other towers affected the health of several people in the neighbouring societies, including some who were suffering from cancer,” said Anupam Kapadia from the neighbouring Enchante Society.

Kapadia added there were 14 “illegal” mobile antennas from different companies that were installed atop Mangal Mahesh CHS until a year back, which were removed by the civic body after they raised the issue.

However, Dilip Kejriwal, a resident of the society, said the service provider had applied for permission to install a mobile phone tower, after having removed the last one which was installed without authorisation.

“If they get the permission, then the towers will be installed. These days, you cannot imagine a life without a mobile phone, and there are several places, including hospitals, where mobile towers are present,” said Kejriwal.

According to the minister of communications website, which shares information on mobile towers and electromagnetic field (EMF) emission compliances, reviews by World Health Organisation (WHO) over the last 30 years, has found that “current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low-level electromagnetic field.”