PANAJI
The National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) has granted its consent to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for installation of a 4G mobile tower in the protected areas of Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary.
The NBWL has recommended the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) grant of wildlife clearance to BSNL for use of 0.02 ha of forest land from Bhagwan Mahaveer WLS for installation of mobile tower at Sonalium village in Dharbandora.
The Board has however directed BSNL to keep electromagnetic radiation within permissible limit thereby ensuring no disturbance to the wildlife.
According to the proposal, the villagers are presently lacking adequate 4G connectivity and there is no suitable revenue or other government land available for mobile tower installation. Hence, BSNL identified forest sites in accordance with DoT and its guidelines. The project site is technically optimal for ensuring village-wide coverage and LOS connectivity, enabling cost-effective and timely commissioning of the mobile tower.
“The proposal has been recommended by Chief Wild Life Warden, the State Board for Wild Life and forwarded by the State Government,” NBWL noted.
“After detailed deliberations, the proposal has been recommended with the condition that the user agency will keep electromagnetic radiation within permissible limit thereby ensuring no disturbance to the wildlife in the protected area,” the minutes stated.
BSNL has to also submit an annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions to the State Chief Wildlife Warden, who will then forward it to the Union Ministry.
