Pune: 390 Unauthorised Mobile Towers In Pimpri-Chinchwad Spark Safety And Revenue Concerns
Pune: 390 Unauthorised Mobile Towers In Pimpri-Chinchwad Spark Safety And Revenue Concerns
Pimpri-Chinchwad, December 13, 2025: The issue of unauthorised mobile towers in Pimpri-Chinchwad was raised in the State Legislature after MLA Amit Gorkhe disclosed that 390 mobile towers within the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) limits are operating illegally, posing potential risks to public safety. The matter was brought before the House through a starred question.
Gorkhe informed the Legislature that out of 923 mobile towers installed across the PCMC area, only 533 have official approval, while the remaining 390 are unauthorised. He pointed out that several of these towers have been erected on illegal structures, increasing concerns over citizen safety and regulatory violations.
₹30 Crore Revenue Loss Alleged
Highlighting financial implications, Gorkhe stated that as per government norms, mobile tower companies are mandated to pay a 15 percent tax, but PCMC has failed to recover nearly ₹30 crore in dues. He alleged gross administrative negligence, stating that no penalties were imposed, no notices issued, and no licences cancelled, suggesting possible collusion between civic officials and private companies.
After the government confirmed in the House that 390 towers are unauthorised, Gorkhe questioned the delay in enforcement action and asked whether the civic body had been awaiting legislative intervention to act.
He further revealed that no correspondence or proposal has been sent by PCMC to the Principal Secretary of the IT Department regarding the issue, terming it a serious lapse. The MLA sought clarity on whether the unauthorised towers would be removed, whether the PCMC Commissioner would submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days, and whether a high-level inquiry would be initiated against responsible officials.
Minister Clarifies Legal Position
Responding on behalf of the government, Industries Minister Uday Samant outlined the legal framework governing mobile towers. He stated that the Telecommunications Act, 2023, came into force on June 26, 2024, followed by the implementation of the Right of Way Rules, 2024, from January 1, 2025. These provisions were adopted across Maharashtra through a government resolution dated February 5, 2025.
Samant explained that under Section 14(3) of the Act, mobile towers cannot be taxed as property, and Section 14(4) restricts action against towers without prior approval from Union government-authorised officers.
Assuring the House of accountability, the minister said a detailed inquiry would be conducted to identify those responsible for permitting unauthorised towers. He added that PCMC has been directed to immediately submit the required proposal to the Principal Secretary (IT Department) to initiate the due process, and that strict action would be taken against any officials found guilty.
