Hyderabad: People living in Panjesha, near Charminar in the Old City, are worried about a mobile signal tower installed in their neighborhood. They believe the tower is dangerous to their health and want it removed as soon as possible.
Locals recently wrote a letter to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, asking for help. They said the tower was set up without permission and could be exposing them to harmful radiation.
One resident, Salam Bin Amer Shaibi, pointed out that the building where the tower sits has four floors built illegally. He said the tower was installed two years ago without any official approval.
According to the residents, Airtel installed the tower after reaching a private deal with a local man named Syed Hussain Mohsin, who received payment for allowing it.
In their letter, the residents said, “This tower releases strong signals and waves that are harmful, especially to children, pregnant women, and older people. Some of us have even ended up in the hospital because of it.” They mentioned that they had filed a complaint with the GHMC Commissioner back in March, but no action has been taken so far.
Local activist Mohammed Ahmed claimed the radiation may have already caused two deaths. He said a man named Saleh Bin Sayeed, in his sixties, died recently. Doctors noted high-frequency radiation as a contributing factor in his medical report.
Residents of Irani Galli, where the tower is located, say their main concern is health. “We’re not against development,” said Syed Rahmat, a nearby resident. “But I live just 50 meters from the tower, and no one informed us about it. The owner never asked for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from neighbors.”
According to city rules, mobile towers cannot be built in parks, playgrounds, or near water bodies. They also must stay at least 100 meters away from schools, hospitals, heritage sites, and places of worship. Yet, these rules are often ignored.
Ahmed urged HYDRA, the city’s development authority, to crack down on illegal towers. He called for action against companies that break building regulations. “We need strict enforcement to protect citizens’ health and safety,” he added.
Residents continue to demand that the tower be taken down before more damage is done.
