August 2, 2025: Residents of Shri Krushna Society in Sector 31, Kamothe, Panvel, on Friday intervened to halt the construction of an Airtel mobile tower, citing serious breaches of guidelines and the absence of due procedure by both the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the private firm responsible for the project.
According to residents, the tower is being erected adjacent to a public garden, dangerously close to residential buildings, a children’s playground, and nearby mangroves.
Mayur Ganar, secretary of the housing society, stated that while PMC had approved the installation of 13 Airtel towers across Kamothe, a mandatory site survey was never carried out for this location. “Existing regulations clearly prohibit installing mobile towers at ground level or near sensitive areas like schools, hospitals, or housing societies due to radiation risks. Yet, this one is just 15 feet from our building,” he told Mumbai Mirror.
Ganar added that despite raising concerns on-site, no official responded. Society members then staged a protest, halting the construction. Formal complaints have been submitted to Kamothe Police Station, PMC, and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) officer in Raigad. Mahesh Kawade, chairman of the society, said residents initially mistook the construction in the PMC-maintained garden for civic work. “But the arrival of electricity cables and tower equipment quickly raised alarms,” he explained.
Concerns over radiation exposure remain paramount. “The tower is extremely close to our boundary wall. This poses a threat, especially to elderly residents and young children,” Kawade said. Resident Amit Shelar, a father of two, questioned how such proximity could be authorised. Retiree Narayan Gholve added, “If this tower is allowed, our entire family’s health is at risk.” Responding to the public outcry, PMC Commissioner Mangesh Chitale confirmed the receipt of complaints and assured that appropriate action would be taken.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
