PONDA: Anguished by the installation of cell phone towers on government school campuses across the State, and particularly in Ponda, locals warned that it could lead to hundreds of children leaving school, and the eventual closure of the town’s public schools.
A cell tower was recently erected at the government primary school in Bhedshem, Talaulim, despite stiff opposition from parents and locals. The parents of students who go to the GPS have already threatened to remove their children from the school as they fear they would get sick from the radiation from the cell towers.
“The government keeps granting mobile service companies permission to install towers within GPS campuses. We have objected to it so many times, but they keep coming back, often under the cover of darkness or with police protection,” said a parent, whose child studies at a government school.
“Earlier, there was an effort to erect a mobile tower at Kundaim Government School, but locals managed to foil the attempt. If the government wants to install these towers, then it should be on any other government building, and not school buildings. Children at such a tender age should not be exposed to harmful radiation,” said Gaude.
“What’s even worse is that the students who study at GPS do not have the luxury of shifting to a private school, as their parents cannot afford the fees. Gearing for their well-being, these poor families would rather keep the children home, than send them to GPS with a mobile tower in the vicinity,” he added.
Another local Omkar Fadte said government primary schools are the great contribution of Goa’s first CM Dayanand Bandodkar, who provided free education in every nook and corner of the State. “By erecting towers on GPS campuses, this government is destroying his legacy,” lamented Fadte.
