Cell tower myths
People here are using mobiles in large numbers, users are complaining about weak signals and call drops and some are vociferously protesting on the installation of towers everywhere in Goa. The noise is getting louder and no one seems to be well-informed about how such facilities are provided all over the world.
India has one of the most stringent EMF exposure norms in the world. TERM has to conduct test audit up to 10% of BTS randomly on self-certification by service providers. Cell phones communicate with nearby cell towers through RF (radio frequency). RF can heat up body tissues like microwave ovens. The level of energy used by cell phones and towers is much lower. Public exposure to RF and towers is low, as antennas are high, signals are not constant. Near the ground it is 1000 times less than limits set. Roof antennas may have higher RF than ground level In front of antennas and close levels will be higher. That cellular towers are feared to cause cancers and ill health are not well-founded scientifically.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
ATM security
The two ATM frauds that have taken place in Goa wherein 62 customers have reportedly lost over Rs. 13 lakhs in two separate incidents of ATM skimming. This has probably got the general public worried about the safety of their hard-earned money. Banks are responsible for the safety of the money of the depositors hence every effort must be made by the respective banks to see that no ATM fraud is committed in future. For this the bank authorities have to work in tandem with the police department. To prevent further ATM frauds from occurring the security guards should check the ATM machines at regular intervals to see if any suspicious looking device has been attached to it. The security personnel should be informed about the type of devices used. Recordings of the CCTV footage cannot prevent a crime but can only assist in the investigation. What is essential is to make the CCTV footage of the ATM machine available live at all times to one of the bank employees who should keep a close look on suspicious activities taking place there and report it to the security guard immediately. Bank customers should not lose their hard-earned money for no fault of theirs.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
V-Day ban?
A newspaper report has been doing the rounds where a right wing party from Ponda has been advocating a ban on Valentine’s Day. This is quite similar to what the Shiv Sena does in Mumbai. If these elements are allowed to have their day in the sun, it will be a ridiculous idea. Why should Valentine’s Day or any other day be banned? In India we still have the right to express whatever we wish, even if it is love. This is not a Western concept, like these uneducated people are claiming. The idea of Valentine’s Day as a day to buy cards, teddy bears and other gifts for your loved ones may be a marketing gimmick that started in the West but the idea of February 14 as a day of love is not a new phenomenon. Vote these unsecular elements out in 2017.
Samuel D’Costa, Calangute
