Awareness webinar on EMF radiation organized by DoT, Jaipur

Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Rajasthan License Service Area (LSA) organized an “Awareness Webinar on EMF Radiation” on June 29, 2021. This session was organized as part of DoT’s public advocacy programme to make aware the general public regarding need of mobile towers and disprove theories surrounding the harmful radiation from mobile towers to address unfounded fears of citizens by presenting a credible scientific evidences.

An expert panel comprising of senior officers from the telecom department along with doctor, discussed the concerns put forth by citizens while also disproving myths and misinformation related to health hazards related to the radiation from mobile towers.

The webinar was attended by government officials, general public, college faculty & students, telecom service providers, infrastructure providers and other officials. The notable key speakers at the event were Shri Harvesh Bhatia, Sr. DDG, Head of DoT Rajasthan LSA, Shri Sidhartha Pokharna, DDG (Compliance), DoT, Rajasthan LSA, Sh. Rakesh Kumar Meena, Director(Compliance), DoT, Rajasthan LSA, Dr. Arun Chougule, Senior Professor & Head of Department of Radiological Physics, S.M.S. Medical College & Hospitals, Jaipur.

While giving an outline of the telecommunication services and highlighting the issues faced by the stakeholders,  Harvesh Bhatia, Sr. Deputy Director General, DoT mentioned, “We have come together on this platform today to address the spread of misinformation and provide authentic views on the health concerns posed by mobile towers. With the increase in the numbers of mobile users there is also a need to increase the number of mobile towers to cater seamless mobile connectivity to all. Basis our extensive research on EMF signals, it has been established that mobile tower radiation does not cause any injurious health issues.”

As part of his presentation on EMF radiation, Sidhartha Pokharna, Deputy Director General (Compliance) discussed the need of mobile phones in our lives and development of the country. He gave the overview of low level Electro Magnetic field emanation from mobile towers. Rakesh Kumar Meena, Director (Compliance) continued the presentation and said, “DoT regulates and monitors radiations emanating from telecom towers. Our EMF norms are 10 times more stringent than those prescribed by ICNIRP and recommended by WHO. LSA conducts regular physical audits of sites and test the power of available EMF signals at different probable locations near the site. It is vital for the people to be reassured and informed that any fears around mobile towers lack any foundation.”

 Dr. Arun Chougule, Senior Professor & Head of the Department of Radiological Physics, shared his perspective and cleared misconceptions associated with mobile tower radiations. He said, “There is no scientific or medical evidence available to corroborate the argument used against mobile towers. Exceedingly low powered non-ionizing radiations are emitted from cell towers that have no adverse health impact on human life or animal life, whatsoever.”

It is important for citizens to understand today that mobile tower EMF radiation are being strictly monitored and evidence from credible sources have ruled out possibility of any impending health issues emanating from EMF radiations. Eight High Courts of India have also upheld this view and have delivered judgments that seek to dispel all such unfounded fears and such misguided activism is posing challenges in the growth of the economy and connectivity.

Hence, the misconception with a section of population in Rajasthan on the hazards of EMF emission needs to be ruled out and installation of towers should be allowed in their respective localities. The Government of India follows 10 times more stringent norms than what has been prescribed by ICNIRP and recommended by WHO. There are regular checks conducted to ensure that telecom service providers are adhering to the regulations set by the Government.

DoT is fully committed and equipped to ensure compliance of guidelines. These guidelines are designed to safeguard the concerns of citizens on EMF exposure norms are adhered as to safeguard our beloved citizens. CT Bureau