The Telecommunication Department has decided to insist on mobile phone operators that they should get the clearance of the Wildlife Division of the Ministry of environment and Forest MoEF for setting up mobile phone towers.The decision has been taken in view of the possible ill-effects of radiation from such installations on animals, birds and bees. This was made clear by Dr Sainudeen Pattazhy, a member of the Experts' Committee formed by MoEF to study possible impact of communication tower on wildlife. He said quite a few studies in India and abroad have pointed out that radiation from mobile towers seriously harmed wildlife, especially birds, bees and insects. So, it is important that the telecom operators get clearance from the Wildlife Department before erecting towers, especially in areas close to forests, animal parks and zoos.