A towering problem for Partap Nagar residents

Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, May 22

Residents of Vishwakarama Colony in Partap Nagar locality here are up in arms against a mobile tower erected in a plot right in the middle of a thickly populated residential colony. Alleging that those living in the vicinity were falling prey to serious health problems, they said the Municipal Corporation authorities had failed to take action.

In a complaint lodged with the assistant town planner (zone C) of the civic body, Simratpal Singh Kalsi, joint secretary of the Council of RTI Acitivists said a mobile tower had been erected in a plot (no. 12831) located in Street No. 20 of Vishwakarma Colony.

He also alleged that the owner of the building had not sought any approval from the MC for the erection of the mobile tower, nor had he paid any installation charges and annual fee for the commercial structure.

The area residents said several residents in the vicinity, including Arvinder Singh and his family, were afflicted with serious health disorders, reportedly due to harmful radiation emitted by the mobile tower.

Kalsi and other residents demanded that the mobile tower, illegally erected in the predominantly residential area, be removed immediately and the owner of the building be proceeded against for illegal construction and evasion of local taxes as per the municipal rules.

Officials of the building branch of of the Zone C office of the MC, including the assistant town planner, were not available for comments on the issue.