DB dismisses PIL seeking removal of mobile tower from PHC

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 3: Division Bench of High Court comprising Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Sanjay Dhar has dismissed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mohammad Habib seeking direction to Union of India through Department of Communications, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and District Manager, Telecommunications BSNL, Leh for removal of the mobile tower that has been installed/erected in the close proximity of New Type of Public Health Centre, Batalik Kargil.
The petitioner alleged that the respondents have installed the mobile tower in close proximity to NTPHC without obtaining NOC and the local residents of Batalik. The Electro Magnetic Field Radiation (EMR) emitted from the mobile tower is a health hazard leading to cancer and other diseases to the people living near NTPHC in Batalik.
After hearing both the sides, the DB observed, “in the absence of any specific allegations that the installation of the tower is contrary to any statutory provision, guideline or any norm, we are of the opinion that it is not a fit case where removal of the mobile tower is necessitated”.
With these observations, court dismissed the PIL.