Mobile operators need to follow anti-radiation norms

New Delhi, June 9 (UNI) With a view to minimise health hazards caused by radiations from mobile towers, mobile operators will have to follow anti-radiation norms while setting up base transceiver stations (BTS).

This also implies that the mobile handsets in India will need certification from manufacturers that they meet standards on transmission.

The Department of Telecommunications' policy-making arm Telecom Commission on May 27 adopted the guidelines prescribed by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection and approved by World Health Organisation.

Non-Ionising radiation in the range of 200 MHz to 4 GHz can lead to brain tumors, sleep and hearing disorders and memory disturbances.

Gujarat-based Karmajyot Seva Trust has found in its audit surveys that risk factor of brain tumor is three times more for people living around 400-500 metres area of BTS.

The Trust has conducted a pan-India survey including the national capital having 4,500 mobile towers, in association with Cogent EMR solutions to study the ill effects of radiation on the health of general public.

Karmajyot Seva Trust has filed a Pubilc Interest Litigation (PIL) with the Supreme Court for control of radiations and bringing in discipline in the growth and installation of mobile towers, Karmajyot Seva Trust Executive President V B Gupta said here.

In February 2006, the apex court ordered the Centre to respond to the petition and reply as to why there are no norms in the country for putting up mobile towers and controlling the radiations emitted out of them.

UNI SG SBA RN1656