Hon. John Nani, Commissioner for Environment

TheDelta State Ministry of Environment has observed and frowned at the act of erecting permanent structures and shanties under high and low tension cables by some individuals in the state, thereby defacing the environment as well as endangering their lives and other occupants of the structures.

A statement from the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Barr. John Nani , has therefore advised all owners of such structures built under high and low tension cables to dismantle and remove the resultant materials on or before May 20, 2017.

The statement further stated that electricity system produces extremely high frequency electromagnetic field which comes under non-ionizing radiations which can cause health effects. Apart from human effect, the electrostatic coupling & electromagnetic interference of high voltage transmission lines have impact on plants and telecommunication equipments mainly operating in frequency range below UHF.

It also warned that the voltage level of high power transmission Lines are 400KV, 230KV, 110KV, 66KV etc. The electromagnetic field from high power transmission lines pose serious threat to human health as the effect of electrostatic field can cause damage of DNA, risk of cancer, miscarriage for pregnant women, leukemia and in most cases death.

The statement added that the ministry will embark on a crucial demolition exercise to remove all illegal structures built under high and low tension cables in the state. It urges the people of the state not to build beyond the strips of land provided as right of way for high tension installations in the state saying the Right of Way serves as buffer to decrease the effects of the energized line including magnetic and electric field effects.

Owners of all illegal structures are to adhere to the instruction as defaulters will be sanctioned in accordance with extant laws.