NDMC bars mobile tower installation in Lutyens’ Delhi

Officials announced on Friday that the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has issued a comprehensive 37-point guideline outlining specific rules and regulations for the installation of communication towers in Lutyens’ Delhi.

The NDMC document, released on Thursday, establishes the council’s policy on communication tower installation in order to maintain a sense of uniformity in the area.

According to the guidelines, the placement of towers or antennas should be done in a manner that does not disrupt the heritage and aesthetic elements of New Delhi.

Unauthorized Cell On Wheel (COW) installations will not be permitted within the NDMC area.

An official stated, “The NDMC has formulated this policy for the installation of mobile communication towers and related infrastructure to ensure uniformity, taking into account the advisory guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunication and other relevant factors.”

The document specifies that the antennas, towers, and associated equipment should be positioned at the rear of the plot, out of sight from the main entrance and road. Additionally, diesel generator sets are not allowed at the tower sites to meet the power requirements of the antennas.

The NDMC plans to conduct e-auctions for designated locations in the NDMC area for the installation of COWs, with approved rates for an initial three-year period, extendable for an additional two years.

Any mobile towers installed without permission after the issuance of this policy will be regularized according to the rules, along with a monthly penalty of Rs 10,000 from the date of tower establishment.

Officials confirmed that a one-time permission fee of Rs 3 lakh for a period of five years will be charged for the installation or renewal of new towers.

Telecom companies and service providers operating towers before the implementation of this policy must apply for regularization within 30 days of the policy’s notification, including payment of arrears from the date of their establishment. Failure to comply will result in action by the NDMC in accordance with the policy.

The installation of ground-based or rooftop towers and antennas within the Central Vista area will not be permitted. However, a committee chaired by the NDMC Chairperson, with members co-opted from the Central Vista Committee, will make case-by-case decisions if deemed necessary.

Likewise, permission to install towers or antennas on the premises of NDMC schools, including Navyug Schools, and hospital and dispensary buildings will not be granted. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if there is a technical requirement, subject to the approval of the NDMC Chairperson.

For heritage-listed buildings, a no objection certificate from the heritage conservation committee is required. Additionally, for buildings within a 300-meter radius of ASI monuments, a NOC from the National Monument Authority is necessary.

The document emphasizes the need to minimize the proliferation of towers and optimize the use of existing ones by accommodating at least three operators, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Government of India. These guidelines may be amended from time to time.

(With PTI inputs)