After detailed discussions, the Telecom Commission, on May 27 this year, adopted ICNIRP guidelines regarding basic restrictions and reference levels for limiting exposure to electromagnetic radiations. The new guidelines ask telecom companies to share resources among themselves instead of installing multiple transmitting towers in the same locality.

They also direct companies not to install base stations in narrow lanes to minimise risks caused by natural disasters, and to ensure that the towers are at least three metres away from nearby buildings and the same distance above the ground or roof. Identifiable signboards must also be provided at the site of the base stations to discourage the presence of people in the area for longer periods.