Fuelling another debate on the installation of cell phone towers in the residential complexes, the residents of Mission Compound near Kalvary Church are up in arms against a reputed telecom firm.

The residents have written to the chief minister, district administration and the municipal corporation seeking the dismantling of the tower at the earliest, stating potential health hazards caused by radio frequency radiations.

A few residents of Sarabha Nagar, Block I, have also raised a similar question as regards the installation of two cell phone towers in the residential complex, citing studies that link EMF radiations to various health hazards, particularly cancer.

“We do not want this potential health hazard for our children and elders. We are well aware of the fact that a cell phone antenna emits harmful EMF radiations which can cause various health hazards like brain tumour and cancer,” said Sumit Malaki, one of the residents of the residential complex whose house is adjacent to the one where the tower has been erected.

The tower has been erected on the rooftop of a house in an area where a cluster of houses is situated in two rows, separated only by 8.5-feet narrow lane. The residents are also concerned that in case of any mishap, the tower may destroy the adjoining houses and cause loss of lives too. The tower has still not been activated so far.

They further said that though the company which is setting up the tower has secured permission from Pradeep Procha on whose rooftop the tower has been installed, it should not be allowed in the larger interest of the residents.

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