A panel established by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to examine issues related to the emission of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from telecom towers has recommended that the government must step in to dispel fears caused by unsubstantiated reports on the effects of EMF radiations.

In addition, the panel has also recommended funding for carrying out research regarding the impact of EMF radiation. The DoT panel comprises of 13 representatives from institutes such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indian Institute of Medical Sciences and the Indian Institute of Technology.

The panel has also suggested that DoT should participate in the deliberations of international standards bodies including the World Health Organisation, which are actively pursuing research on the subject of EMF radiation.

Going forward, ICMR and the Department of Science and Technology plan to carry out studies to determine the potential impact of EMF radiation on health.