Visakhapatnam: The Hyderabad High Court on Friday stayed the erection of two towers by Jio Infocomm Ltd. at Vuda Park premises, ordering the VMRDA not to allow installation of the towers till December 11.
Residents of Peda Jalaripeta and members of Fishermen Youth Welfare Association had earlier raised concerns about the installation of the towers without prior approval from the municipal authorities.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has not given the nod to set up the cell phone towers at Vuda Park. Moreover, the Supreme Court had earlier given several judgements against long term commercial establishments at public parks.
The state government had also issued GO 146 in 2015 restricting erection of telecommunication infrastructure towers in all parks, playgrounds and public open spaces. However, the company started installation works near Boat Club area in Vuda Park.
The VMRDA has allotted 200 sq metres (2,152 sft) in Vuda Park to Jio for the erection of two towers by charging monthly licence rent of '25,824 apart from caution deposits.
Residents of Peda Jalaripeta and regular visitors to the Vuda Park had complained about the unauthorised erection of towers as they were worried about the impact to their health and other risks associated with cell tower radiation.
As there was no response by the district collector, GVMC and VMRDA commissioners, Fishermen Youth Welfare Association members moved court. to stop the installation works.
