The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has warned of the hazards from electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radiations emanating from the telecom towers. According to CPCB, radiation emissions from the towers are significant due to their dense installations and unscientific proliferation.
The CPCB has said that it does not have any authority to dismantle the telecom towers or disconnect the telecom services but has held that the noise and air emissions from power generator sets attached to mobile towers are under its regulation.
CPCB has further contended that radiations from mobile towers and phones in India are covered under Indian Wireless Telegraph Act, 1933; Indian Telegraph Act, 1885; and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997; but, none of the acts cover the regulation of health impacts of radiation on living beings.
As per CPCB, the main environmental concerns related to mobile towers are noise and air pollution from power generator sets attached to these towers, for which there are provisions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
