Navi Mumbai Residents Protest Mobile Tower Installation on Road Medians
Alert residents and citizen groups in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, are strongly opposing the ongoing work to install mobile towers on road medians. They have launched protests, alleging that these structures pose serious risks to public safety, disrupt traffic movement, and may be health hazards due to radiofrequency radiation exposure.
Activist Appeals and Political Support
Civil rights activist BN Kumar has appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Raigad district collector to intervene immediately. Santosh Kate, president of the NCP (late Ajit Pawar faction) in Ulwe node, highlighted the scale of the issue. "The road medians in Ulwe have been dug up at nearly 20 locations for the installation of mobile towers," Kate said. "Similar installations are reportedly planned across Dronagiri, Karanjade, Uran and Targhar in Uran taluka, and Pushpak Nagar in Panvel taluka."
Work Resumes Despite Complaints
The work was briefly halted after complaints were lodged with several officials, including the CIDCO managing director and vice-chairman Vijay Singhal and Navi Mumbai transport authorities. However, the digging work has now resumed. Kate warned, "If the mobile tower installation work continues without proper safety precautions, citizens’ groups will intensify the agitation." The CIDCO authorities have been asked to suspend the ongoing work until all health, environmental and traffic safety clearances are independently reviewed and made public.
Safety Concerns and Past Incidents
Activist BN Kumar emphasized the safety risks, citing a past incident. "Mobile towers may be necessary for communication services, but the manner in which these structures are being erected shows little concern for public safety," Kumar said. He referenced a 100-foot-tall mobile tower installed on a road median in South Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave that collapsed during the early hours on June 15 last year due to strong winds and heavy rainfall. Fortunately, there were no casualties as there were no passers-by or motorists on the road around 4 am.
Demands for Transparency and Health Studies
Residents have also demanded an independent scientific study on the possible long-term health implications of radiation exposure from telecom towers located close to residential neighbourhoods, schools and busy public roads. Kumar added, "Citizens said official data, radiation audits and compliance certificates should be placed in the public domain to build trust."
The protests underscore growing public concern over infrastructure projects that may compromise safety and health standards in urban areas.
