Friday, May 31, 2013

Round Table conference in Delhi on 28th May 2013

Based on the Round Table conference in Delhi on 28th May 2013, following coverage appeared in Rajasthan Patrika - Jaipur 29-05-013 Page 12

Rajasthan Patrika - Jaipur 29-05-013 Page 12
The meeting was organized by Telecom User Group (TUG) with the aim to invite public, government officials and industry to derive solution to the Cell Tower Radiation problem that has been of concern to everyone these days and resolve the issue.

At the meeting were Mr. Sudhir Kasliwal from Jaipur who flew down to Delhi to share the unfortunate incident his family has gone through. Two of his brothers have been diagnosed with brain tumour and one of them died last year. Also his dog died due to cancer last year. He mentioned that now that the towers have been switched off post their battle with the operators and regulators, birds and bees have started coming in and around his surrounding area.

Another gentleman from Defense Colony faced similar grievance and was diagnosed with brain tumour.

Prof. K C Gandhi from Mayur Vihar talked about four cancer cases in his colony and mentioned that there were over 8 mobile towers in the vicinity.

Mr. Sudhir Pal whose mother has been suffering from constant dizziness and sister lost her baby twice due to miscarriage informed that their doctor also held the mobile towers near his house responsible for this unfortunate situation.

Prof. Girish Kumar from IIT Bombay was also present and shared some scientific facts with the audience.

In spite of several people coming forward and sharing their stories, the industry representatives maintained that Cell Tower Radiation does not cause any health problem.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Residents say DoT guidelines ignore their suggestions

May 28, 2013: South Mumbai residents have written a strongly-worded letter to minister of state for communications and IT and shipping Milind Deora claiming the department of telecommunications (DoT) ignored opinions of citizens in setting new guidelines for installation of mobile towers. The guidelines come into effect on June 1.

"We are surprised to see the document (guidelines) on DoT website hidden under 'a journey for EMF'. Nothing (suggestions given by citizens in Mumbai) has been considered while reframing or revising the guidelines discussed by DoT with operators. We request DoT to consider the opinion of citizen groups before implementing the guidelines. Please delay the implementation till we are also heard," says a letter dated May 26 signed by Prakash Munshi and actress Juhi Chawla on behalf of Indians for Safe Environments.

It says the guidelines must be implemented with retrospective effect covering all old mobile towers/antennae.

The citizens have submitted a slew of recommendations, including ban on clusters of antennae installed on rooftops and sidewalls of buildings.

The letter says the guidelines are silent on the safe height at which two antennae should be installed on tripod towers of building rooftops.

"There should be a ban on installation of mobile tower antennae at a height lower than a neighbouring building, irrespective of the distance between the two buildings."

The letter also questions a revision in the guidelines which specifies safe distance from neighbouring buildings

The DoT guidelines say there should be no building in front of an antenna till 20 metres.

Similarly, if there are six antennae in one direction, there should be no building or structure in front up to 55 metres. For four antennae, the safe distance specified is 45 metres and it is 35 metres for two antennae.

"The table of safe distance has been tweaked twice in the last two months. Why has the 20-metre safe distance been included for one antenna and what is the basis for arriving at these distances? This exercise of tweaking the guidelines of September 1, 2012, twice in a month is highly objectionable and motives need to be explained to the standing committee of parliament and Supreme Court where a hearing on in a Rajasthan High Court case."
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/residents-say-dot-guidelines-ignore-their-suggestions/1121444/


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Round Table Discussion on Mobile Tower Health Hazard at Delhi on May 28, 2013


A Round Table Discussion on “Mobile Tower Health Hazard; what Corrective Measures taken in Public Interest” will be taking place in New Delhi on May 28, 2013. Prof. Girish Kumar from IIT Bombay will also be coming to give a talk.

Venue: Seminar Hall No. 1 India International Center, Max Muller Road (Lodi Road), New Delhi
Date: 28 May 2013 at 3.00 PM

The RTD will invite participation Senior Official from DOT, TRAI, COAI, AUSPI, TAIPA, MCD/NDMA, ICMR and members from civil society, legal fraternity, academia, health groups and manufacturer.

Kindly make it convenient to attend so that you can share your views at the event.

To confirm your participation, please contact:

Mr. Anil Prakash
President
Telecom Users Group of India
Mobile +91-98111 55846,
Tel: +91-11-2575 7128
email. anilprakash@yahoo.com , anilprakash@gmail.com

Kindly forward to your known people who would like to attend.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Coverage in Israel - Several cancer cases - May 5, 2013


Following has been translated to English - http://www.tapuz.co.il/Forums2008/ForumMaavaron.aspx?ForumId=269

"Machine gun on the roof": antennas on the roof, the neighbors die from cancer

No less than 17 people living next door to a number of buildings in a street in Kiryat Haim, were or had died from cancer in recent years. Residents claim that all stems from nine cellular antennas stands over a Mapam nearby. Neighbors: "We will fight even at the jail, at least we survive"

Living on the roof of a house in Kiryat Haim Western Mapam were eight years ago cellular antennas. now no longer clear how many antennas there, because all of them were covered with a sheet of tin. from the street it looks like another floor was added to the structure.

H's mother lives close to Mapam, probably too close. When he learned last week that she has a brain tumor, his world turned upside down. Their father is already lost as a result of cancer, and the family around the house this terrible disease has become a regular guest, every Once in another neighborhood. Overall we counted 17 cases, and it is probably only a partial figure, relying only on the people who talk about it. statistical conclusion you can draw your own.



Tenant cancer patient:'' I ate it, but there are children here, shame on them'' Illustration photo: Flash 90

"At first there were antenna or two," says H.. "Over the years added more and more. Has there now at least nine antennas, but you never know exactly how that covered them. Lots of neighbors around the hospital all kinds of diseases but Our main concern is cancer. Dad died of cancer and my mother is now in a hospital and they really not alone here, it has really moved. "

How is it discovered?

"For a long time she was suffering from headaches. She was on medication and was going through it, but when nothing has been no help she herself told us: 'I have cancer in the head, now she is in the hospital. We are eight brothers and family very connected and it hit hard for us ".

H. speaks quietly and seems powerless. He spends a long time alongside his mother in the hospital, but formed in his heart a decision: "We decided now to go to war in this and we will not give up easily. Neighbor who lives on the floor above my mother died from the disease. Well at the Opposite died since, and next door a year suffer from this disease, which spread her whole body.

"We want to bring checks Mcsfino information that we do not believe anyone anymore. My brother is a lawyer and help in legal terms, we went to all the neighbors and do what is necessary, because no one else will do it for us. There are neighbors who want to burn the antenna but I do not want to break the law. "

"We're running out here"

Q's mother lives next door to eighth. Also is fighting cancer with all her strength, and she points finger: "I hundred percent sure there is a connection between these antennas and my disease," says S. weakly. "It's not just me I got sick, here's our neighbor died, the neighbor's son, a young man, sick. Now also another neighbor grabbed it."

What made ​​you think it antennas?

"What a professor one came to ask me questions in the hospital and she asked if antennas near the house and how I am close to Kishon and enterprises. This antenna is so great that there is no doubt that its fluorescence is strong. Anyone who rents them to the roof interested only in money. We slowly - slowly going and end here. neighbor occurred two years ago and within three months of being eaten and left. What are they waiting I do not understand. "

What would you like to happen?

"I want to lower the antennas. I ate it, as they say, but there's a lot of kids, a lot of young people, shame on them. Getting one silver and one gets cancer. It should not be that way. Impossible to continue like this.

"I suffer from lymphoma difficult. My immune system no longer exists, it is impossible to analyze. Every six months I get six rounds of chemotherapy to the immune system even survive. I most of the time at home. My situation is not good, I was in pain and I got to the point where I need to use medical marijuana to not suffer, I will never smoked a cigarette and now I smoke weed. well it lasted an hour and then back pains. "

What can you do against the antennas?

"I did not do the link in the beginning but I've seen many places people are fighting antennas these and it made me realize that, but I have no strength to walk and run and make war. I hope that now the younger generation cares about the area would make this war. Municipality do not mind people here, The government does not do anything and they only care about money. "

There you angry about the situation?

"I get angry sometimes., But what it will help me if I'm angry. Whether anyone would care of us used to come and remove the antennae of these, but if they do not fuss and mess nothing will happen. I think abandoning us here. Whether the municipality would not want to approve it was not confirmed., but apparently it worth it. "

"I ask every day when my turn"

S. retired recently. He is a man interested in environment and care about what happens. The danger of antennas is warned for a long time, but now he is broke and Segev funds to take action: "I ask myself every day, 'When's my turn?', Says S. angrily," With this situation, 17 people in all ill patients is so small, so I ask myself when my turn. But I'm not waiting in line, I will work against this if we can not do it legally then there is also disgusted illegally. But these antennas need to kick out. When I see this thing and 17 people are in front of me and disappear - no other choice. "

Yona Yahav. One of the residents: "I invite him to come and live here" Photo: Alex Rosekovsky

Are you sure antennae are the culprits in?

"Street cornflower was a block with 32 families, of which 20 people developed Alzheimer's. Tried to tell all kinds of stories that plants, tanks., But it's nearest building antennas placed near the gas station at the entrance to the street, and also that relative to other buildings, it is far tanks. Tanks are here has been for many years and the story began only after the antenna, so that will tell me stories. I do not believe tests done here, if at all. they then coordinate the test with the companies and they are preparing accordingly. I want to be present at the examination. I want to bring someone not connected not independent and did not coordinate with them and then find out the truth. "

You think the city should enlist help?

"We do not have a municipality. Yona Yahav handles Haifa beautiful but look where incoming stable. People here invest in their homes and buildings look pretty but outside trash can., But I prefer not clear to me and not to worry for anything but my cheeks, I want to live. I feel called We have here a machine gun on the roof of this building and shoot us all and no one responds. I invite him to come and live here.'s see what his reaction would be, or transfer the antenna near his house. Maybe then he will feel that it is attached to it. "

Why do you stay?

"The houses closest to the antenna leased. People do not want to live there. No problem to move but who are to be deported where good for me. I was born here in the complex and not throw me away. Few months ago wanted to put on the street Bussel antennas. Neighbors objected and the objection was made. Why They did and we did not? "

"Russian roulette games with us"

Perhaps there could antennae that were fought before?

"We warned and wrote letters before but nothing helped. Faces the municipality, we went there and we got stuck in the wall. Called Yona Yahav come and see how we live here. He arrived, but the opening of the beach proper, where investing and everything looks beautiful. Way was it attractive to come. appreciate our lives a dog's life in this country. I was born and raised here, I made an army, I did reserve, raised children here. has a family abroad, I can go but I do not want to. Why? For a scavenger for money selling my life?

"Even in Kiryat Bialik was a case set for antennas, but where the mayor intervened. Why not here, why? Because most people here are not interested and do not know to speak? They do not realize that when they ignore or speak they shoot themselves and their children. We die here, not only radiation but a lack of concern. question asked here is who's next. This 17 cases, four of whom died and that only those who speak and I know. has people who speak and closed within themselves. then Describe yourself how the picture looks real. "



Haifa Municipality. "Supports the position of the residents' Photo: Max Beilinson

So what do you do?

"I tell you very frankly. Unless something happens, and soon, I'm taking the law into their own hands. Then my life will end, then put me in jail but at least those who stay here enjoy. Pekiin name antenna, within half an hour got all the men of the village with ropes and knocked down the antenna and policemen were beaten there. did not matter who was where they would fight with him. they do not see a meter, they want to live with their mountain air.

"Here we want to breathe the sea but put us poison. Individuals are afraid to take action, instead of fearing for their life. Then if they enter with legal proceedings, they have the money and power to drag it on and on, and it would be another seven years and now people here are going . playing Russian roulette with us. "

Haifa Municipality: we fought against the antennas

Haifa Municipality said in response: "Haifa Municipality supports the position of the residents and is the only standing in front of the struggle to remove the antenna above the roof of the house: In 2009, the municipality issued a demolition order to the facility access, placed on the roof of the building. Cellular company waged a long legal battle against the municipality to cancel the order But the court ruled in 2010 that the order was lawful and destroy 'approach facility.

"In response to the court's ruling, the Company filed a request for the establishment of three 'bite' on the roof of the building. Establishment of antennas approved by the Commissioner of radiation levels at the Ministry of the Environment is the only competent professional authority on the subject. Despite the approval of the Ministry of Environmental Protection municipality refused to approve the establishment of the 'sting' and determined that there is no place to place a cellular antenna on the roof of a building in a residential neighborhood and find an alternate location for the establishment antenna. rejected this position in light of the local planning and building the company's request for a permit.

"Against this decision, the Company applied the appeals committee of the Ministry of Interior. Appeals Committee received in -10.6.2012 the appeal and ordered the local committee, issue a building permit without further delays.

"It should be noted that the Haifa Municipality has set a unique procedure whereby Israel is not satisfied with the position of the Ministry of Environment but takes any request to place the union reference antenna of Environmental Protection. Procedure was praised in the State Comptroller. Again, the application was forwarded to the Cities Association and representative Dr. Mona Naama municipality supported the establishment of the antenna resistance. This regard, the Appeals Committee determined: With all due respect to Dr. landscapes is not clear how the Commission can rely on local opinion when the position of the Officer, the competent authority to decide the matter, is different. "

Despite repeated requests by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection, not received any response from them.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Doctors report 50% hearing loss among cellphone users

Times of India - May 13, 2013

MUMBAI: Excessive use of cellphones can cause the deadliest of health hazards among users, from hearing loss to neuro-endocrine disruption, hormonal imbalance and cancer.

Over the last decade, cellular phone usage has grown exponentially with the introduction of new communication systems and newer and smaller phone models. But it is a mark of how much people use cellphones these days, that doctors report as much as a 50% hearing loss among users.

Dr Divya Prabhat, ENT surgeon with Bhatia and Wadia hospitals, said he had been getting many patients who complain of pain in the ears and even hearing loss.

"The most common complaint is that after they hang up, the ears get hot. Many patients come with complaints of tinnitus, where there is a buzzing in the ears. This also results in irritability and lack of concentration," he said.

But the most serious ENT problem is hearing loss. "I recently got a 45-year-old patient who had 30% hearing loss in her right ear, as she would be on phone all the time. When I told her to talk on the phone with the left ear, three months later she came with a 50% hearing loss in the left ear," Dr Prab-hat said.

These are temporary threshold shifts, he said, meaning that these problems can be cured, when the habit is changed early. But if a person continues to use the phone excessively, it may turn into a permanent problem.

Prolonged cellphone radiation is said to cause cancer. In a study published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India in 2008, endocrinologist Dr Shashank Joshi, along with other doctors, had shown how electromagnetic rays from a cellphone cause neuro-endocrine disruption. "Apart from cancer caused by radiation, the cell phone culture increases sedentary work habits. It also reduces sleep time. This causes blood pressure, diabetes, and cardio-vascular diseases," said Dr Joshi.

Doctors say the gadget addiction also leads to hormonal imbalance. "Hormones like endocrine and melatonine are disrupted big time by excessive cell phone usage. There may be a discharge of negative hormones because of anticipation of a negative call. This tends to increase stress in a person," said Dr Joshi.
It is good, therefore, to decrease talking over the mobile phone, and use a landline or texting, said Dr Joshi.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Doctors-report-50-hearing-loss-among-cellphone-users/articleshow/20021776.cms

New DoT guidelines allow mobile towers at all locations

New DoT guidelines allow mobile towers at all locations - (A disaster for common people)

Indian Express - May 11 2013

Service providers may soon be able to install mobile towers at any location, irrespective of land use. The department of telecommunications (DoT) has issued a new set of guidelines effective June 1 that run contrary to a BMC draft policy of last year that proposed banning new towers on hospital and school premises.
Minister of state for communications and IT and shipping Milind Deora said, "Since September 2012, the norms have been made 10 times more stringent. These are model guidelines, based on which we want all state governments, municipalities and panchayats to frame policies on structural safety and permits. We don't want municipalities or states to get into the health safety aspect as we have already formed a group to do an India-centric study. In model guidelines, we have given minimum space distance, we want states/municipalities to look at that. We also want them to focus on structural safety, stability, aesthetics and other issues."

Earlier this year, towers atop Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai were deactivated citing a 2010 BMC policy that did not permit such infrastructure on top of hospitals and schools.
Several resident associations in South Mumbai have been campaigning aggressively on the issue claiming radiation from towers atop buildings was affecting health of citizens.
A challenge to a Rajasthan High Court order to remove mobile phone towers near schools and hospitals is being heard in Supreme Court.

The DoT guidelines reiterate that telecom enforcement resource and monitoring (TERM) cells would deal with all radiation-related technical details.
As per the guidelines, telecom operators will have to establish that all general public areas where mobile towers have been installed are in safe electromagnetic field exposure limits at peak traffic time or adhere to safe distances specified.

"The revised guidelines are a welcome relief and result of continuous interaction between DoT, state governments and the industry. It moves in the right direction of allowing the industry to grow with appropriate safety standards in place. DoT has instructed all states to make regulations on a par with the guidelines. This way, the industry will not have to deal with different regulations on location of cellphone towers. Safety norms established by DoT are for everyone. Hence, the notion of excluding schools and hospitals is inappropriate," said Rajan Mathews, director general of Cellular Operators Association of India.




http://www.indianexpress.com/news/new-dot-guidelines-allow-mobile-towers-at-all-locations/1114418/




DoT, TERM cells sole authorities for norms - Indian Express

Aril 28, 2013 - Indian Express

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/dot-term-cells-sole-authorities-for-norms/1108705/

DoT, TERM cells sole authorities for norms
Mihika Basu : Mumbai, Sun Apr 28 2013, 03:22 hrs
WHILE residents' associations are meeting in Mumbai Sunday to push for better norms governing mobile phone tower antennas, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reiterated that DoT and the Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring (TERM) cells are sole authorities responsible for enforcing norms as well as compliance with respect to cellphone towers and EMF (electromagnetic field) radiation levels.

DoT officials said one must not view cellphone towers as sources of income and asked state government officials if they can have uniform taxes. This was communicated in a recent meeting between department officials, industry representatives and state government officials for a fresh round of consultations on draft guidelines issued by DoT in 2012.

The guidelines say that in respect of rooftop towers with multiple antennas, rooftop usage for longer duration should be discouraged. It says keeping public interest in mind, there is a need of regular interaction between TERM cell of DoT and state/district administration under district collector. It has proposed to set up state and district telecom committees for reviewing telecom infrastructure related issues at state/district level.

The guidelines say "all radiation related technical details are dealt with by TERM cells".

The draft rules talk about single window clearance for telecom service provider/infrastructure provider by the local body/state.

Such instructions assume significance as BMC had sought suggestions on a draft policy, issued last year, which proposes ban on new cellphone towers on hospital and school premises. Also, the Rajasthan High Court order directing the removal of mobile phone towers installed overhead or in the vicinity of schools and hospitals is being heard in the Supreme Court.

"To clear confusion, it was re-emphasised during the meeting that DoT/TERM cell is the single point regarding compliance with EMF regulations and EMF related issues," said sources.

Cellphone tower operators have been instructed to put up appropriate signages at the towers.

It was also communicated that for towers near airports, no separate approval is required from local airport authorities as this aspect is built into the initial application sent to the Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA).

The draft guidelines will be put up on DoT website later.


No policy on mobile towers yet

Hindustan Times  Mumbai, April 26, 2013


http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/No-policy-on-mobile-towers-yet/Article1-1050500.aspx

DOT nod to be must for cell tower removal

April 27, 2013

MUMBAI: Citizens opposed to the presence of cellphone towers around them may not be able to get these removed simply by agitating and putting pressure on the installers in coming days.

Once new guidelines are introduced by the ministry of communication and information technology, the permission of local enforcement and monitoring cells of the department of telecom (DoT) will be required before removal and shifting of towers or cutting of power supply to these.

The guidelines are being drafted to regulate cell towers and will come in handy while dealing with complaints about high electromagnetic field radiation from these towers.

The city and its vicinity witnessed the highest number of cell tower removals in the country in recent days, with service providers removing nearly 100 towers because of what they called "unnecessary panic" among citizens. The result was poor connectivity in some areas.

Recently there were incidents such as in Andheri, Dadar and Malabar Hill where citizen groups forced operators to remove towers.

"There was a consensus among the stakeholders-cellular operators' representatives, tower providers and ministry officials-that any decision about cell tower antennas should be taken only after obtaining consent from the telecom enforcement, resource and monitoring (TERM) cells of DoT," said Rajan Mathew, director general of the Cellular Operators Association of India.

The primary draft of the guidelines was discussed at a recent meeting in Delhi. The draft also suggested formation of district committees to ensure regular interaction between civic or district officials and TERM cells.

"Telecom installations are lifeline and are a critical infrastructure in mobile communication. In order to avoid disruption in mobile communication, sealing of base transmission station towers or disconnection of electricity to them may not be resorted to without the consent of the respective telecom enforcement, resource and monitoring cell of department of telecommunication (DoT)," stated the primary draft of the guidelines discussed among stake holders recently at a meeting in New Delhi. The draft .

SAFETY GUIDELINES

1) If rooftops have cell towers, rooftop visits should be restricted to short durations

2) There should be no residential or workplace building directly in front of an antenna till a distance of 20 metres (distance increases with number of antennas and is 75 metres for 12 antennas)
3) For all general public areas in vicinity of tower, operators to ensure safe electromagnetic field exposure limits as per actual peak call traffic measurements

4) On flyovers, antenna should be mounted at least 5 metres above ground or road level

DNA- Log on to pull down the tower of deceit near you

DNA- Log on to pull down the tower of deceit near you

Sunday, Apr 28, 2013,


From June 15, a web portal will help figure out if a telecom tower violates DoT's norms.

Has the cellphone tower radiation scare got to you? Come June 15, and you will be able to find out if you stay in an area which is being affected by mobile tower radiation, thanks to a web portal being put together by the cellphone industry and the government.

In a presentation on Friday, the department of telecom (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) decided  to launch a portal from where any person can figure out which is the closest mobile phone tower to his/her house and if it complies with the DoTs safety norms.

The plan comes in the wake of a study conducted by a DoT body, which documented cases of cancer deaths in areas overexposed to telecom towers in Mumbai.

It's a joint effort of the government and the industry. Users will have to log on to the website and they can get all details from it, said Rajan Mathews, director general of COAI.

The best part of the whole process, it's free.

The portal, being developed by a firm called Ramboll, is still in a nascent stage. Many developments, says Mathews, are yet to be finalised.

Earlier this month, dna had reported that a DoT agency, the telecom enforcement resources and monitoring (TERM) cell, in Mumbai has been receiving complaints on suspected high radiation from mobile phone towers.

While going through some of these cases, one case has come to our notice, where in one residential complex, six members of five individual families have been diagnosed with cancer in a span of five to six years, said a report by TERM.

Chetan Shah, 34, a resident of Jawan Nagar society that was mentioned in the report, had said at least eight neighbours had died due to cancer over the last two years.

TERM's survey covered societies in Borivli, Bandra, Wadala, Thane, Andheri, Parel and Dadar, among others. The DoT now plans to conduct more such studies in Mumbai and other parts of the country.

The concern over the effects of radiation from telecom towers has grown in recent times.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1827886/report-log-on-to-pull-down-the-tower-of-deceit-near-you

6 Cancer Cases in Parsi Colony near Mobile Phone Towers - DNA - 22 April 2013 - Page 3


‘Cancerous’ cell phone towers panic Parsi Colony

6 cancer cases in 3 yrs, residents call meet to devise strategy
DNA - 22 April 2013 - Page 3



Freny Kavarana, a resident of Shree Samarth building in Dadar’s Parsi Colony, says that she feels “horrible” when sitting in her room. Operated for a cancerous tumour in her stomach last year, Kavarana and three other people in her building blame cell phone tower radiation for the disease. Despite minister of state for communications and information and technology, Milind Deora, stating that there is no proof that radiation from cell phone towers is hazardous to health, citizens continue to be apprehensive.

After six cases of cancer were reported in the past three years in the neighbourhood, the residents of the Parsi Colony are a panicked lot. They have put up banners and distributed handbills in the area, inviting people for a meeting on April 28, protesting against the cell phone towers on buildings in the vicinity.
Kavarana, who is still undergoing treatment post her surgery last year, says, “I can’t prove it, but people like me — who have suffered from cancer — have a strong suspicion that it is due to the cell phone towers that came up around here a few years ago.”

Aditya Gandhi, whose mother was detected with ovarian cancer in 2010, says, “Our window opens up to cell phone towers which are less than 35 metres away, on the third floor terrace of the adjoining building.”
Some residents have spent large amounts of money putting up radiation films to obstruct the radiation emitted from these towers. Avaa Jassawalla, who lives in Boman Lodge on Dr Ambedkar Road, spent over Rs1.5 lakh to put up such films two months ago. “I am unable to enjoy the view from my penthouse apartment, only because of the towers that are just 15 metres away,” she says.

Chunabhatti hsg society’s protests fall on deaf ears


Residents of a housing society in Chunabhatti, Sion, have been protesting against two mobile towers on their building, but their pleas are falling on deaf ears. They claim that their builder has been pocketing the rent paid by the service providers for the towers.

The construction of the building in question, Swami Samarth, started back in 2000, and by 2005, seven floors of the building were ready. Two years later, the builders, Bhandup-based Shree Swami Samarth Developers, allowed two telecom service providers to install towers on the building.
“It was only in November 2010 that we managed to form a housing society, but the developer tried stopping us by complaining to the registrar of cooperative housing societies saying that the signatures of two residents had been forged,” says Kunjanna Shetty, a resident of the building. Even applications filed under the Right to Information Act by the residents at the local Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation office proved futile, with officials saying they were unable to trace the files of their building.

A seventh floor resident, Sarla Gangar, says, “The builder is not even doing anything to get the occupation certificate for the building. For over seven years now, we have been requesting him to start the process of getting the mandatory certificate issued, but he doesn’t care.”

Residents claim that the builder earns around Rs8-10 lakh annually as rent from these two cell phone towers.
Justifying their actions, Sandeep Jalgaonkar of Shree Swami Samarth Developers says, “Earlier, this building did not have any Floor Space Index; it was I who got the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) at a cost of Rs40-50 lakh, and now, I need to recover my expenses.”

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?pgNo=3&edcode=820009&eddate=2013-04-22

Coverage in DNA - April29-2013-Pages 1 and 7-Dadar



Coverage in Dainik Samna - April 29, 2013 - Dadar


Coverage in Dainik Samna - April 29, 2013 - Dadar

Mere samne vali kidki mein Ek Mobile Tower Dikhta Hai



http://epaper.saamana.com/Details.aspx?id=37444&boxid=114529734

Tower-ing inferno - Dadar Matunga residents join to fight mobile tower radiation problems

1. Tower-ing inferno

Midday - April 30, 2013

Call to harm goes up as Dadar Matunga residents urged to fight mobile phone tower radiation problems; ire and fire marks three-hour long meet on issue




http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/apr/300413-tower-ing-inferno.htm

2. Docs talk on radiation effects - Asian Age - Apr 29, 2013

http://www.asianage.com/mumbai/docs-talk-radiation-effects-378

With the aim to create awareness, social activists and doctors drew citizens attention towards hazards of electro-magnetic radiations at Mancherji Hall in Parsi Colony, Wadala on Sunday.

The doctors, while speaking to residents, emphasised on the harmful effects of radiations emitted by the cellphone towers and said that its effects the chromosomal imbalance in children.

Drawing attention to the cellphone towers mushrooming in the area, the social activists gave presentations.
Why do cellular operators display danger signs near their installations? Why do the department of telecommunication and ministry of communications and information technology publish advertisements that tell people that if they have a choice, they should use a landline (wired) and not a cellphone? If there was no danger from cellphone towers, what is the need for such an advice? asked Prakash Munshi, from Indians for Safe Environments.

Dr Ashish Mehta, neurologist at Breach Candy and Saifee Hospitals, using a powerpoint presentation, elaborated how electromagnetic radiations can affect body cells. Prolonged exposure is dangerous and effects can range from genetic damage to malignancy in cells, he said.

Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla, who is also a part of Forum Against Cell Tower Radiations, said that it is important to understand the health hazards of things that citizens do in the everyday life. There are many cellphone users, who neither know nor understand specific absorption rate (SAR) of a cellphone. Even though cellphone companies provide the SAR value, a layman will continue to use the cellphone without understanding the health hazards. It is important that people are aware of the issue, she said.

3. Also, coverage appeared in Times of India dated 29-04-2013


Activists air dangers of cell towers - TOI - Apr 29, 2013
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Activists-air-dangers-of-cell-towers/articleshow/19774545.cms

MUMBAI: Residents of Dadar and Matunga met on Sunday to discuss the ill-effects of mobile tower radiation. Drawing attention to the mobile tower antennae mushrooming in the area, activists made presentations for the residents at Mancherji Hall in Parsi Colony, Wadala.

"Why do cellular operators put danger signs near their installations? Why does the department of telecommunication and ministry of communications and information technology publish ads telling people that if they have a choice, they should use a landline and not a cellphone," asked Prakash Munshi from Indians for Safe Environments.

Dr Ashish Mehta, neurologist with Breach Candy and Saifee hospitals, made PowerPoint presentations explaining how electromagnetic radiation can affect body cells. "Continuous exposure is dangerous. Effects could range from genetic damage to malignancy," he said.

Actor Juhi Chawla, who is also a part of Forum Against Cell Tower Radiations, said, "Though firms provide the specific absorption rate value of a cellphone, people continue to use them without understanding the health hazards they can pose. It is important that people are aware of the issue."




Mumbai residents up in arms against mobile towers


Mumbai residents up in arms against mobile towers

Apr 29, 2013 - Health India.com

Residents of Dadar, Matunga and Wadala gathered at the Mancherji Joshi Hall in Dadar’s Parsi Colony on Sunday to protest against the arbitrary installation of cell phone towers in their locality. The residents attended a presentation by the Forum Against Cell Towers (FACT), which highlighter the hazards of electromagnetic radiation from cell towers. There’s much speculation about how round-the-clock exposure can cause cancer.

The residents have decided to take up the matter directly with CM Prithviraj Chavan by sending him a petition with over 200 signatures.

The residents say one of the major hurdles is getting to the bottom of who’s actually in-charge of phone tower related policy. Several citizens’ groups want the towers removed but don’t know whom to approach. Every agency is just passing the buck. We need the role of each agency clearly defined,’ said activist Nikhil Desai.

Last week, the Departmental of Telecommunications (DoT) has said that Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring (TERM) cells were the sole authorities responsible for enforcing phone tower norms. There’s no clarity on the laws and guidelines pertaining to cell phone towers or who’s responsible for enforcing them.  Activists expressed the need for clearer regulations for installation of cell phone towers, permitted radiation levels, number of towers per structure, their height and transmission levels etc.

Actress Juhi Chawla said at the meeting, ‘Mobile companies must ensure they highlight Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value on the boxes. SAR points out the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by a body while using a phone.’

Anti-radiation activist Prakash Munshi, who also attended the meeting to show his support, hit out at the BMC for the delay in declaring its draft policy on cell phone towers, which could have led to the installation of several illegal towers in the meantime.

Unsurprisingly, Rajan S Mathews, director general of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said he was surprised at the statements made by social activists at the meeting. ‘There is a total lack of appreciation for scientific facts and studies undertaken by national and international bodies. The cellular industry is working very closely with the DoT and government bodies to clarify doubts regarding telecom towers,’ said Mathews. Read what expert Neha Kumar has to say about the issue and find more about the dangers of electromagnetic radiation

http://health.india.com/news/mumbai-residents-up-in-arms-against-mobile-towers/