The Assam Licence Service Area (LSA) unit of Department of Telecommunications (DoT) organized an ‘Awareness Webinar on EMF Radiation.’ This session was organised as part of DoT’s public advocacy programme to dispel myths around Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) radiation and address unfounded fears of citizens by presenting credible scientific evidence.
An expert panel comprising of senior officers from telecom department along with a doctor addressed the growing concern among consumers related to EMF radiation. They also highlighted the myths and misinformation around the health hazards connect with it.
The workshop was attended by government officials, college professors, students, members of residents’ associations, officials of Telecom Service Providers and infrastructure providers and other officials. The prominent speakers at the event were Shri S. K. Gupta, DDG(Compliance), Shri T. Mag, Director(Compliance-II), O/o Sr. DDG, DoT, Assam LSA DoT, Assam LSA and Dr. AVS Suresh, Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad joined the workshop on virtual mode.
As per the Census 2011, Assam has 33 Districts with the total population of Assam is 3.12 i.e. 2.58% of India in 2011 that is being covered by 15,224 Towers and over 51,110 BTSs (Base transceiver station) as on 31.07.2021.
Shri S.K. Gupta, DDG (Compliance) in his inaugural remarks stated the importance of mobile towers and how they are an integral part of our critical telecommunication infrastructure. He added, “Mobile towers are critical for strong network connectivity. Extensive research on EMF signals has time and again proved that mobile tower radiations are completely safe and do not have any impact on human beings.”
Dr. AVS Suresh while addressing its correlation with health hazards mentioned, “Despite many studies, the evidence for any effect remains highly controversial.” He said “The radiation emitted from the mobile towers is inherently a type of radiation that does not produce any kind of significant harm to humans.”
Shri T. Mag, Director (Compliance-II) gave a detailed presentation on EMF exposure, Compliance measures and status. Various aspects such as the radiation norms adopted by DoT, Audit and Certifications by DoT field unit, Strict action against deterrence, EMF related information of mobile towers through public portal: https://tarangsanchar.gov.in), Procedure to check SAR value of mobile handset by dialling *#07# and the random testing of BTSs by Assam LSA have been explained. DoT Assam LSA has tested 725 BTSs from June 2020 to June 2021 in Assam and all BTSs have found compliant as per DoT Norms.
“The Telecom industry is committed to providing the fastest speed connectivity to its consumer base in India. We would like to express our gratitude to Assam LSA, Department of Telecommunication, Govt. of India for organizing the Awareness Webinar on EMF Radiation today. It is important to understand that the past myths around EMF emission from Telecom radar towers have resulted in the delayed roll-out of required infrastructure requirements across the Indian demographic thereby creating connectivity issues for the end consumer. This awareness webinar was aimed to dispel myths persuaded by the public. World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that ‘current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields’ based on approximately 25,000 studies published around the world over the last 30 years and an in-depth review of scientific literature. So, we don’t need to worry about the adverse effect of mobile tower radiation as they are safe & strictly monitored,” said Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI.
Citizens do not need to worry about the adverse effect of mobile tower EMF radiation as they are being strictly monitored and evidence from credible sources have repeatedly ruled out the possibility of any impending health hazards emanating from EMF radiations. The level of exposure near a cell phone tower typically is many times lower than the exposure from using a cell phone.
There are checks and balances in place to ensure Telcos adhere to the norms set by the Government. The Government of India follows 10 times more stringent norms than what has been prescribed by ICNIRP and recommended by WHO. DoT and Telecom Operators are fully committed and equipped to ensure compliance of guidelines in order safeguard the citizens. Mobile connectivity is the need of the hour for each section of society. There is a need to realise the importance of mobile towers in order to maintain the standard of this essential service.
During Q&A session, the panelists responded that seamless network connectivity is imperative, and a strong communication infrastructure will support the advancement of many technologies, which in turn will enhance the way we all live and work.