The residents of Sultanpura village in Bharuch district have launched a protest against the ongoing installation of a new mobile tower, citing health and safety concerns. The construction, which began in early June 2024, is being carried out by a private contractor without seeking prior permission from the local community. Residents have formally submitted a complaint letter to the Bharuch Deputy Collector and the local Mamlatdar office, demanding an immediate halt to the project until proper clearances and consultations are conducted.
What Does the Policy Say About Mobile Tower Installations in Gujarat?
According to the Gujarat State Telecom Infrastructure Policy 2020 and the related guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), any mobile tower installation must comply with strict procedural requirements. These include:
- Obtaining mandatory permissions from local municipal bodies or Gram Panchayats before construction.
- Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) if the tower height exceeds 30 meters.
- Ensuring compliance with radiation norms as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which set limits on electromagnetic field exposure.
- Informing and seeking consent from residents within a 300-meter radius of the proposed site.
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) monitors adherence to these norms, and any violation can lead to penalties or demolition orders. The official Gazette notification dated 15th March 2024 reiterates these requirements and emphasizes community participation in telecom infrastructure projects.
Who Is Affected by the Tower Installation and How?
The immediate residents within Sultanpura, particularly those living within 200 meters of the tower site in Ward 5, are most concerned. The population here includes elderly citizens, pregnant women, and young children, groups that are often considered vulnerable to environmental hazards. According to the local health clinic data maintained by Bharuch District Health Office, respiratory illnesses and sleep disorders have already been reported to be on the rise in this area over the past two years.
Residents fear that the tower’s microwave signals, especially those operating on 5G frequencies around 29,000 megahertz, could exacerbate these health problems. They report symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, skin irritation, and disturbed sleep cycles. Moreover, concerns about long-term exposure include increased risks of neurological disorders and cancer, although scientific consensus on these risks remains mixed.
Besides health concerns, some residents have also raised issues related to property devaluation and aesthetic impact, which could affect the socio-economic fabric of Sultanpura.
Why Did the Government Allow This Installation Without Community Consent?
The Gujarat State Telecom Department, in coordination with central authorities, has been actively promoting expansion of mobile network coverage to improve digital connectivity, especially in semi-rural and rural areas like Bharuch. The recent 2023-24 Digital Gujarat initiative allocates ₹150 crore for telecom infrastructure enhancement across districts, aiming to increase internet penetration to 85% by 2025.
Officials claim that streamlined approval processes were introduced to accelerate infrastructure deployment, which occasionally leads to incomplete community consultations. According to a statement from the Deputy Collector’s office dated 5th June 2024, the contractor had submitted all required technical documents, but the local consent process was still underway when construction began.
The government’s position is that improved connectivity will facilitate access to e-governance services, education, and healthcare, benefitting residents in the long term. However, this has created a tension between rapid technological progress and local health and environmental concerns.
What Are Critics and Residents Saying About the Tower?
Local leaders and health experts in Bharuch district have voiced strong opposition. Dr. Mehul Patel, a public health specialist at Bharuch Civil Hospital, highlighted that while radiation levels from mobile towers are generally considered safe within prescribed limits, the cumulative effects and lack of localized studies in Gujarat raise valid concerns.
The Sultanpura Residents Welfare Association (SRWA) has organized multiple protests since early June, demanding adherence to Gujarat’s Telecom Infrastructure Policy and more transparency. They argue that the contractor’s failure to seek prior community permission violates both statutory rules and ethical standards.
Similar protests have recently occurred in other parts of Gujarat, such as the Patan smart meter installation protests and environmental concerns voiced by the Vejalpur residents. These events underscore a broader pattern of public skepticism towards infrastructure projects implemented without adequate community engagement.
What Should Sultanpura Residents and Others Do Next?
For residents concerned about mobile tower installations, the following steps are advisable:
- File formal complaints: Submit detailed written objections to the District Collector’s office and local Gram Panchayat or municipal authority, referencing relevant policy provisions.
- Request environmental and health impact assessments: Demand independent testing of electromagnetic radiation levels and health risk studies tailored to the local environment.
- Engage with elected representatives: Contact Bharuch MLA and local councilors to raise the issue in district-level forums.
- Raise public awareness: Organize community meetings to inform residents about rights and safety standards related to telecom infrastructure.
- Seek legal recourse: If necessary, file petitions under the Right to Information (RTI) Act or Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to enforce procedural compliance.
Meanwhile, the Bharuch Deputy Collector’s office has assured a review of the project and a site inspection scheduled for 20th June 2024. The Mamlatdar has also invited residents for a hearing on 22nd June to discuss concerns and possible mitigation measures.
As digital infrastructure rapidly expands across Gujarat, balancing technological progress with public health and local consent remains essential. The Sultanpura case highlights the need for transparent, community-inclusive planning in all future telecom projects.
Bottom Line: Sultanpura residents must continue proactive engagement with local authorities to ensure their health concerns are addressed before mobile tower construction proceeds. Staying informed and involved is critical to safeguarding community well-being amid Gujarat’s digital growth.