Panchkula civic body, HUDA disconnect power supply to illegal mobile towers

Over 10 such mobile towers have recently been installed on the pavements near roundabouts across the town. According to officials, towers have been installed for network testing. During the drive, power connections of the towers were cut off, rendering them non-functional.

The action was taken after notices to the company yielded no response. “We had issued notices to the company stating that these towers are illegal, but they did not remove them, so we took action. We have served them another notice to get these towers removed at the earliest,” said Siwach.
The joint operation was launched by the corporation along with HUDA, whose senior officials were also present on the spot. Highlighting the gross negligence of the companies, HUDA Estate Officer Manish Lohan said, “These towers are not only traffic hazards, but they also pose risk for
the commuters. The pavements are not meant to support these towers. Moreover, they cause obstructions and leave no space for pedestrians to walk on these pavements.”

The officials said that the company had not taken any permission from MC or HUDA to install these towers. “Even if they had sought permission, it would have been denied as it is illegal,” he added.

Following the drive, residents urged the corporation to take action against mobile towers installed in residential locations too. “There are mobile towers atop several houses in Panchkula, which have been installed without any permission. MC should also hold a survey and check if they have taken any permissions. It is a major problem in Panchkula,” said Rakesh Aggarwal, president, Residents’ Welfare Association, Sector 12.