Hyderabad: Cellphone towers in the Old City are sending out wrong signals. While at several colonies there are clusters of towers all located in one area raising alleged health concerns, threat posed due to the heavy towers on illegal and dilapidated constructions is another matter worrying denizens.
According to GHMC records, there are more than 340 towers in the Old City. Based on complaints from residents, six towers were identified for demolition by the end of last year. Although GHMC issued notices, it is yet to act on them. While the authorities sit on the issue of demolitions, more complaints from residents are pouring in.
Gulam Subhani, an advocate from Charminar, is one of complainants of health problems. According to him, ever since a tower was installed near his house, the health issues in his family have increased. “About four years ago a tower was installed about 10 feet from my house. Everybody in my family is now suffering from sleeping disorders. There have also been three miscarriages in the family since the installation of the tower. I have made representations to the GHMC officials and also sought help of politicians. But the situation hasn’t changed,” he said. He added that he is left with the only option of filing a writ petition in court. Authorities of Princess Esra Hospital near Purani Haveli had also objected to the erection of a cellphone tower two years ago in their vicinity citing health hazards. But despite making representations to authorities to relocate it from their area, the tower still stands at the same location.
When contacted, a GHMC official said, “We have issued notices to six towers in the Old City areas. We need special crew to bring down these towers, so there was a delay. But we plan to start the demolition drive in a couple of days.”
According to GHMC records, there are more than 340 towers in the Old City. Based on complaints from residents, six towers were identified for demolition by the end of last year. Although GHMC issued notices, it is yet to act on them. While the authorities sit on the issue of demolitions, more complaints from residents are pouring in.
Gulam Subhani, an advocate from Charminar, is one of complainants of health problems. According to him, ever since a tower was installed near his house, the health issues in his family have increased. “About four years ago a tower was installed about 10 feet from my house. Everybody in my family is now suffering from sleeping disorders. There have also been three miscarriages in the family since the installation of the tower. I have made representations to the GHMC officials and also sought help of politicians. But the situation hasn’t changed,” he said. He added that he is left with the only option of filing a writ petition in court. Authorities of Princess Esra Hospital near Purani Haveli had also objected to the erection of a cellphone tower two years ago in their vicinity citing health hazards. But despite making representations to authorities to relocate it from their area, the tower still stands at the same location.
When contacted, a GHMC official said, “We have issued notices to six towers in the Old City areas. We need special crew to bring down these towers, so there was a delay. But we plan to start the demolition drive in a couple of days.”
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