MARGAO
With the Election code of conduct coming into force on Saturday, the authorities went about cracking a whip on the poll material, including posters, banners put up in government and private properties in Salcete.
In Margao, Margao Municipal Chief Officer, Agnelo Fernandes issued a warning to the political parties and individuals that he is forced to notify all departments under the Goa Prevention of Defacement Act after exhausting all options.
Expressing anguish that some of the electric poles, telephone poles, public places are still showing some posters put up by individuals and political parties, Agnelo lamented that although the festive season has long gone by, Christmas, New Year wishing posters are still seen within municipal jurisdiction at Margao.
“When these parties and individuals put up posters, hoardings and stick bills, posters on public property, it is their responsibility to bring them down once the purpose is fulfilled”, he said, adding that the MMC had to unnecessarily put its staff to remove the banners and other advertising material which deviates the staff from other important work they have to undertake as part of MMC's continuous process to keep Margao city clean.
The MMC CO maintained that wall writings/posters/hoardings/banners displayed should mention the license number without which the same is considered as illegal and comes under the purview of the Goa Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 1988.
While explaining that the Environment Protection Act can be invoked related to the hazards of these posters, some of which have disintegrated and fallen on the roads and onto streets, he said the MMC wants to provide a level playing field to all parties, for a free and fair election, but within the guidelines of the Chief Election Commission.
Although the licencing authority is the MMC, he said most of the electrical and telephone poles are misused for this advertising and it is up to the respective department heads to ensure necessary action is initiated.
