The inspection comes after panch Walter D’Sousa had raised apprehension at the recent gram sabha that the property owner was undertaking installation of 4G tower. Later, a local resident Meena Goltekar had also complained to the panchayat raising objection to the activity as she said that it would lead to radiation in the area, which would be harmful to the health of the residents in the future.
Incidentally, a primary school is located very close to where the proposed installation is being undertaken.
Panchayat Secretary Bheldas Karapurkar and his staff took measurements of the generator set, a junction box, a pole and cables that were installed at the site.
Later, speaking to media Sarpanch Prakash Naik said that neither the owner nor the mobile company had applied for license from the panchayat for installation of various services.
“The panchayat will not allow installation of mobile towers or allied services anywhere in the village as the locals have opposed such activities on health grounds,” he further added.
However, owner of the property Rony Fernandes reiterated that no mobile tower is coming up at the site as alleged. “I have only installed a pole, a generator and a junction box of a mobile company,” he said.
When asked whether permission was sought from the panchayat authorities before undertaking the activity, Fernandes said that all relevant licences have been obtained by the mobile company and it will be produced as and when required.
Meanwhile, the locals in the vicinity, who were not aware of what activity was being undertaken, have now vowed to approach concerned authorities against installation of mobile-related services in their area.
