Health fears spark protest against mobile tower at Bandipora school
Srinagar: Parents, students and residents staged a protest outside a government school in Bandipora district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, expressing strong opposition to the installation of a mobile tower within the school premises due to its serious health risks, especially considering its proximity to children.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest took place outside the Government Boys Middle School at Nusoo in the district, where parents and community members voiced their frustration with the IIOJK authorities for allowing such a project to proceed without addressing their health and safety concerns. They highlighted the dangers associated with electromagnetic radiation emitted by cellular towers, particularly when located in residential or educational areas.
Mohammad Sonuallah, a local resident who participated in the protest, told reporters, “The BSNL [Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited] mobile tower being constructed on the school grounds is a huge risk to the young children studying here.” He further stressed that the authorities’ failure to address these concerns demonstrated a lack of care for the children’s health. “It is deeply troubling that such a project is being carried out without considering the long-term consequences for the health of young students,” he added.
Abdul Rashid, another parent and protestor, shared his frustration, stating, “We have submitted numerous applications to both the concerned authorities, urging them to reconsider this project. Yet, despite being fully aware of the health risks, no action has been taken, and the installation of the tower continues without regard for the community’s concerns.”
The protestors expressed their disappointment with the indifference of the authorities. They said that the IIOJK authorities and the mobile service provider were ignoring the safety and health of children in favor of a project that poses a potential hazard and demanded an immediate halt to the tower’s construction.
