Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Sikkim Unit, West Bengal License Service Area (LSA) organized a seminar “Myths on Electromagnetic Radiation” on June 20, 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The session was organised as part of DoT’s public advocacy program to dispel myths around EMF radiation and to address unfounded fears of citizens by presenting credible scientific evidence.
At the outset, Shri Jayanta Kole, Director Sikkim, DoT welcome all the delegates. Shri Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Sr. DDG, Head of WBLSA Kolkata inaugurated the seminar through on-line mode. In his key-note address, Shri R. K. Sharma informed that we, in India, follow radiation norms which are 1/10th of those prescribed by international agency i.e. International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Regular checks are also being done by Dept. of Telecom to ensure that all telecom service providers are adhering to the regulations set by the Government. Mobile users are provided facility wherein they can also get checked and measured the radiation levels in whichever area, they like.
Shri C. S. Rao, Principal Secretary, RDD graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his address by appreciating the efforts made by DOT and TSP’s and he talked about the general myths about radiation in the society. He focused on man-made and natural sources of radiation and its occurrence everywhere. Lastly, he expressed his view that Radiation may have fear of impact on human health and it is necessary to create proper awareness among users and this seminar is aim to allay the fears of radiation from mobile towers. He requested the network distribution companies to follow the agreement made with the private parties in to as per DOT standards and guidelines and inculcate the culture of tower sharing for the benefit of the Sikkim state telecom users.
Dr. Tushar Kant Joshi, Advisor Ministry of Health and Director, OEM Program, Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health addressed the concerns of citizens while also debunking myths and misinformation related to health hazards connected with radiation from mobile towers. Citizens can rest easy knowing that mobile tower radiation poses no health concern, as India’s EMF radiation standards are ten times stricter than the limits set by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and adhere to the World Health Organization’s recommendations (WHO). Extensive study on EMF signals has not been able to prove that mobile tower radiation has any harmful effects on human health.
While giving an outline of the telecommunication services in Sikkim, Shri N. Murali Krishna, DDG DOT Sikkim, shared the steps being taken to create strong and robust telecom network in Sikkim State. To achieve this, among other resources more number of towers and BTS are to be installed by the Telecom Service Providers. In Sikkim, DoT unit has tested around 200 towers and none of the theses towers has crossed the permissible limit. He said this Seminar will help the users and agencies to understand the radiations background, permissible limits, role of regulatory/monitoring agency and its responsibilities. He also said that this seminar will enable to remove unfounded fears of radiations through mobile towers. Citizens will come forward to offer required space to install towers and BTS in the state of Sikkim. This will enable the Service Providers to install more and more BTSs in the state of Sikkim.
The seminar was attended by officers from State government departments’ viz. UDHD, RDD, Home, Power & Energy, GMC, Gangtok Smart City, DC office Gangtok, Panchayat members etc. Officers from various central government departments like GSI, NIC, CPWD, CWC. From industry side Telecom Service Providers, COAI and others have also attended the seminar. The seminar ended with vote of thanks.
[DoT and Telecom Operators are 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. For towers emission check: please visit http://tarangsanchar.gov.in/EMFportal ]