To check radiation threats from tower sites, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) plans to make it mandatory for telecom companies to obtain technical clearance from the Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) Cell.
These measures come in the wake of DoT accepting and implementing the recommendations of an inter-ministerial group which require telecom operators to reduce the electromagnetic radiation emanating from each tower by one-tenth of the existing permissible limits. The new radiation norms prescribed by DoT will be implemented from September 1, 2012.
The monitoring wing of DoT, the TERM cell will be responsible for certifying that towers are located at a minimum distance of 50 metres from school and hospital premises. It will also check that there is no other building higher than the antenna of the tower within a distance of 80 metres.
According to DoT tower companies will have to obtain a structural stability certificate from institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology and the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI). DoT is also formulating guidelines for the State Government agencies for granting permission to mobile companies to set up towers.
