The rapid expansion of wireless communication has significantly increased radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) emissions, raising ecological concerns (Balmori,2015). Honey bees are particularly vulnerable to RF-EMF exposure, which has been linked to CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) (Carreck,2014), impaired behaviour (Favre,2011), reduced homing success (Ferrari, 2014), and disrupted floral electric-field sensing (Clarke et al.,2013).

This study investigated the influence of proximity to an active mobile communication tower on Apis cerana in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Eighteen healthy colonies were placed at six distances (25,50,100,200,300 and 500m) from the tower atPokhraira while additionalcolonies were maintained at Karja (~18 km away, tower-free) serving as an independent control. Five parameters were recorded weekly over seven observation periods. Spearman rank correlationshowed significant distance-dependent gradients across all parameters (|ρ| = 0.856–0.964; p < 0.001). Comparison between the Pokhraira 500 m colonies and the Karja control showed no significant difference for most parameters, validating 500 m as a low-exposure reference within the experimental site.

These findings suggest that maintaining apiaries at distances of at least 300–500 m from active mobile communication towers may reduce direct colony-level stress, although foragers ranging over typical flight distances (up to 3 km) may still experience significant EMR exposure during flight.