23 mobile towers erected without GLADA clearance.

Indian Express:Wednesday, February 08, 2012.

Ludhiana : In an RTI query sought by the Council of RTI activists, it was found that a total of 23 mobile towers of various companies have been erected in various parts of the city without seeking any prior permission from the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA).

The objection has been raised in the external and internal audit report for 2010-11. Due to this, the department suffered a loss of about Rs 23 lakh as fees, apart from Rs 50,000 as annual renewal fees for each tower.

The audit report adds that many towers have been erected for more than 10 years at many places and 10 towers are in residential areas, which is against the rules. According to GLADA rules, towers cannot be erected in residential areas.

“The installation of towers and the role of officials need to be probed and action should be taken against the guilty. Why did the officers not take any action against the mobile companies for not seeking permission from them before erecting the huge towers on private buildings?” said RTI activist Arvind Sharma.

The towers have been erected on commercial and residential buildings at Dhandari Kalan, Dugri (Phase 3), Sector 32A, Dugri (Phase 1) and a few other places. So far, GLADA officials have not responded to the explanation sought by the audit officer, revealed sources.