Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha on Tuesday sought to allay concerns over radiation emitted from mobile towers, saying studies so far have not revealed any health hazards. The comments come in the wake of a Supreme Court order directing the deactivation of a BSNl tower in Gwalior on the plea of a 42-year-old cancer patient.
“This is not the final order and it needs to be seen in that perspective. let the final order come. “Secondly, (given) the research so far, including by World Health Organisation and even studies conducted in India by various institutions. I understand there is no ill effect of such (electromagnetic) radiation on the health of humans,” Sinha said on the sidelines of a CII event here. Moreover, Sinha said, the norms in India with regard to the permissible limits of electromagnetic radiation from mobile towers is seven times more stringent than global limits.
“So there is no need to worry or be concerned on the directions. Government is looking into it,” he added. The apex court order is expected to intensify the ongoing debate on impact of radiation from mobile phone towers on people's health. After the order, industry body Cellular Operators Association of India had said mobile towers emit a low level of radiation within the prescribed norms and are ‘completely safe’.