Telecommunication department has decided to insist on mobile phone operators for obtaining clearance from the wildlife division of the ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) for setting up mobile phone towers in view of the possible ill-effects of radiation from such installations on animals, birds and bees.

This was made clear by a senior telecommunication official at the first meeting of the Experts' Committee formed by MoEF to study possible impact of communication tower on wildlife held recently, according to Dr Sainudeen Pattazhy, a member of the panel.

Mobile phone operators are already required to get clearance from defence and civil avation authorities for installing towers in areas which had a bearing on their operations.

"Quite a few studies in India and abroad have pointed out that radiation from mobile towers seriously harmed wildlife, especially birds, bees and insects. So, it is important that the telecom operators get clearance from wildlife department before erecting towers, especially in areas close to forests, animal parks and zoos", Pattazhy said.

The committee,headed by Dr Asad Rahmani, director of bombay natural history society (BNHS), decided to formulate a set of guidelines for installation of towers so as to avoid their ill-effects on animals as well human beings.

Telecommunication offical, who is a member of the panel, told the meeting that measures to avoid installation of towers in crowded areas, schools, narrow lanes and roof-tops had already been taken.

He also maintained that the safety standards in India are very high in this regard and that no authentic evidence had so far surfaced to prove that the towers grievously harmed humans and animals in the country.

Some members of the panel suggested expansion of its scope so as to cover the entire spectrum of wildlife including reptiles and amphibians.