THE POLITICS OF HOARDINGS * By John Eric Gomes It is reported that there are 2000 hoardings in the State of Goa, and seven Owners of the Agencies that operate them. Out of this, the legal ones number only 81, from which 76 are in North Goa!
I keep reading with a sinking feeling the ups and downs of government polices and no action taken against the proliferating hoardings as per the rules and regulations in force. >From the Mandovi bridge to Mapusa, there are around 150 hoardings, right along the highway, roundabouts, and in the fields. This is all against the Motor Vehicle Act, Goa Government Gazette on this subject which lays down criteria for granting permission and norms to be followed. The Tenancy Act, I understand, does not permit fields and agricultural lands to be used for hoardings. But it appears that, in Goa, if you have the contacts and money, you need not follow the Act or Rules. I wanted to find out the procedures and which authorities are responsible for giving permission for hoardings. I telephonically contacted the head office of the Public-Works Department in Panjim. After being transferred from one department to another, I was informed that the authority has long since been transferred to the Mamlatdar/Collector. The Mamlatdars office pointed to the Collector. So I contacted the North Goa Collectors office. I was asked why do I want to know and for what purpose etc. Such a run-around to find simple information that will not endanger the nation and is not prejudicial to its security. In fact, all Citizens Charters of the government departments are supposed to give details of time-bound procedures and costs, so, for example, if any citizen wants to do business in hoardings, as is his right, he can go about it with the relevant authorities knowing his budget and without having to waste his time effort and money, bribe somebody or ask favours. The latest I have read is that there is a committee headed by Digamber Kamat to recommend new rules whilst the old rules and notification have been followed with impunity in the breach. Demolition of hoardings have taken place, first private hoardings, some illegal ones, resolutely by the Panaji Corporation and in South Goa haphazardly and selectively. I read about how the Collectors of North and South Goa were going to be firm in pulling down illegal ones and implementing the rules. But this has not taken place. The excuse: people will lose their jobs, municipality or panchayats their legal and illegal revenue. First create the illegalities, involve money and people and vested interests, and then in public interest, some NGO/public spirited citizen has to go to court after much damage is already done. The Saligao citizens, I'm told, managed to get the Gramsabha, and Mamlatdar to issue necessary orders to demolish all the hoardings in their area accordance with the laws and rules in force, and implement the order! The Courts have finally to rescue the country from the Executive, with some drastic action like in Delhi, by ordering closing down industries, which may lead to strikes, law and order problems whilst throwing millions into despair. I hope better sense will prevail with action to be taken regarding our huge, environment-unfriendly ugly, sometimes dangerously located proliferating hoardings. -- The writer has taken up many issues relating to consumer concerns. ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
