An image of a network tower resembling a palm tree is being circulated with claims that a network provider used an actual palm tree to provide service in Gurgaon. However, this claim is not accurate. The structure in the image is not a real palm tree but a camouflaged cell tower, also known as a stealth tower.
Sharing the image on X (Formerly Twitter) ANI journalist Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) wrote, “Spotted in Gurgaon. There are several high-rise apartments but obviously, they denied permission to this network provider who used a palm tree! He pays no rental because it’s by the main road. I bet this ‘arrangement’ flouts all rules”.
Spotted in Gurgaon. There are several high rise apartments but obviously they denied permission to this network provider who used a palm tree! He pays no rental because it’s by the main road. I bet this ‘arrangement’ flouts all rules pic.twitter.com/GAqBXtqYup
— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) January 23, 2025
The truth about the photo shared as palm tree, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the image and claims came to our attention. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis regarding the image and claims. We found that it was not an actual Palm Tree.
To verify the claims made by the journalist. We performed a reverse image search using Google Lens. We found multiple sources (1, 2) containing similar structures. According to multiple sources, The structure in the image is not a real palm tree but a camouflaged cell tower, also known as a stealth tower. These towers are specifically designed to blend into the natural environment and minimize the visual impact of telecommunications infrastructure. In this instance, the tower has been constructed to look like a palm tree, with artificial fronds at the top to imitate the appearance of a real tree. Furthermore, a relevant keyword search led us to a news report regarding the tower in Gurgaon.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that it was not an actual Palm Tree tree, but a camouflaged cell tower.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) January 23, 2025
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: An image of a network tower resembling a palm tree is being circulated with claims that a network provider used an actual palm tree to provide service in Gurgaon.This claim is not accurate. The structure in the image is not a real palm tree (1/3) pic.twitter.com/bsBkpqeiwo
Intent
Influencers and media persons are circulating images of camouflaged cell towers without verification.
Conclusion
Claim– A network provider used an actual palm tree to provide service in Gurgaon.
Fact– The image depicts a camouflaged cell tower, not a real palm tree.
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