Maharashtra govt to take action against illegal mobile towers

Maharashtra government will soon take action against illegal mobile towers in the state, Minister of State for Home Ranjit Patil informed the Legislative Council here today.

Replying to questions raised by the Opposition, Patil said the government will conduct an inquiry within two months against illegal mobile towers built across the state.

He also informed the Council that 115 illegal mobile towers have been built in Akola district and conceded lapses on the part of the Akola Municipal Corporation.

The tower company had sought permission from the municipal corporation. Since it did not provide the required documents, the company was denied permission to build the towers, the Minister said.

But as it went ahead with the construction of towers, a notice was issued to it by the civic body to pay a fine. When the company refused to do so, its towers were sealed. The company later went to court against the municipal corporation and got its towers unsealed by paying the fine, Patil said.

The government will conduct an inquiry against the errant officials of the municipal corporation, as well as the electricity board who provided power for the functioning of these towers, he said.

"The MRTP Act has been violated. Action will be taken against errant officials within two months," Patil said.