Letter to Minister of State for Housing and Environment

Dr. Vasant S Kelkar

62 , Kalpak
Artek Apartments
Bandra (E)
Mumbai 400 051

August 3, 2010

Hon. Shri Sachin Ahir
Minister of State for Housing and Environment
Government of Maharashtra
Mantralaya
Madam Cama Road
Mumbai 400 032.

Dear Sir :

The Times of India has reported your statement made in the assembly that the government is considering a legislation wherein cell phone transmission towers will be allowed atop buildings if 70% society residents give their consent.

We are residents of the top floor of our residential society and have been suffering health problems due to cell towers of 4 companies mounted on terrace of our building. The residents on lower floors are subjected to negligible, if any, health risks due to such towers and therefore, will never agree to removal of the cell towers due to large revenues they give to the society. Since, the top floor residents will be always less than 30% of the members. They can never get the cell towers removed and be free from the health risk they cause.

For example, in a 6 storeyed building with 2 flats on each floor, the top floor members will be only 2 out of 12 i.e 16.67% and so can never be successful in removal of antennas although they cause the most risks to their health. Voting power of top floor members will be even worse in taller buildings.

How can health risks be decided by a majority vote? Has the government decided that smoking will be permitted in public places like restaurants if 70% of the customers agree to it?? That the passive smoke does not cause any health risk to remaining 30% of the public if 70% smoke? If there is a health risk to top floors members – even to one member – then the government must enact appropriate legislation forbidding installations of cell phone towers near human residents. This matter of health risk cannot be decided by voting of members.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Vasant S Kelkar