The radiation emitted from the mobile towers in Sundarbans is way below tolerable levels, meaning they pose no risk to the environment or people, according to a survey carried out by the telecom regulatory commission. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) carried out a survey on the radiation from the mobile towers following a High Court order.
An electromagnetic field radiation test was carried out in Khulna metropolitan, Jashore district sadar and Bagerhat’s Sundarbans area of Khulna Division in July and August of this year. The tests were carried out in line with the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, World Health Organisation, International Telecommunication Union standards.
The regulatory commission found that the radiation was lower than tolerable level and not harmful for people or the environment. The Sundarbans was announced a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987 and there was much speculation about whether the mobile towers near the area were harmful for the environment.
BTRC claims that that the results of the survey were positive and the towers pose no risk to the environment. Post and Telecommunications Minister Mostafa Jabbar said that there was nothing to worry as all the reports showed less than tolerable level of radiation.
“Some people are spreading rumours that towers on rooftops cause cancers. No such thing has been proven yet. In fact the mobile phones emit more radiation than the towers,” he said. On Oct 17, the The High Court published the full copy of a verdict ordering the removal of mobile towers from densely populates areas which include areas around hospitals and educational institutions.
The order was given, on a petition filed by rights organisation Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) Oct 29, 2012. The writ lodged in public interest attached a report broadcast by Ekushey Television that year which said equipment in mobile-phone towers emit radiation that is harmful for the human body.
Following a hearing on the writ, on Apr 25 this year, the HC ordered the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to carry out a survey on the impact of harmful radiation emitting mobile towers and submit the report within four months. After hearing the writ, the court had directed the health secretary to form a specialised committee in order to examine the level of radiation emission from the mobile towers and its effect on people’s health and the environment. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission chairman was also told to file a report after inspecting a few mobile towers.