The increasing mobile towers in the State capital are affecting the lives of avian species. Bird experts cite the increase, a major cause in extinction of common bird species. However, no specific technical research has been done by Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on the parameters of installing mobile towers within a certain distance.
“The radiation released by mobile towers has certainly led to the extinction of birds species like sparrow, crow and pigeon. Almost 95 per cent vultures are on the verge of extinction. Mobile towers affect the nests where eggs are hatched due to the heat created by the radiation. The hatching is less in heat conditions,” said Ranchi University (RU) Pro-Vice Chancellor (Pro-VC) M Raziuddin, a bird science expert.
Raziuddin is associated with several projects on bird studies in Jharkhand. He said, “Nowadays, birds rarely find straw to build nests. They prefer using plastic and electric wires. This affects the hatching process of eggs particularly those hampered by the radiation of mobile towers. The egg absorbs heat resulting premature hatching or death of the unborn bird.”
RMC sources maintained there are over 300 illegal mobile towers existing across the city. “Merely 13 mobile towers have received no objection certificate (NOC) of the RMC,” Mayor Asha lakra said. The issue of unregistered or illegal mobile towers was raised by the ward councillors during the corporation’s board meeting on March 12.
Senior administrative officials placed at RMC requesting anonymity said many of the illegal mobile towers have been traced and strict action will soon be taken against them. Several reports on conservation of nature refer sparrows in the endangered species category due to threat from mobile tower radiations.
Raziuddin pointed on the mall construction built by cutting trees. “Birds are habituated in greenery areas. With the emerging concept of urbanisation, trees are being cut for development. This is another cause for the extinction of birds. The high usage of pesticides in crops is affecting the health of birds. Pesticides are like cyanide for this species,” said the Pro-VC.