HOARDINGS A HURDLE

Illegal and increasing menace of banners has created a havoc in Mumbai. Metro city did suffer because of too much of illegal banners. It is a right step in the right direction that Municipal Chief takes up the issue personally and took upon himself the task of removing illegal hoardings. By putting banners and hoardings at every nook and corner the city is getting spoiled with shabby look and despite stern warnings the political parties are not heeding to the request of BMC and the trend continues.

It is high time we take note of the vital factors and do repairs on war footing or else the buildings and the city will lose its clean image. The hoardings are the cause for obstructing the beauty of the heritage buildings. Significantly, the Padmanabhan Committee appointed by the High court pointed out and recommended hoarding free areas in Chennai. Such remedial measures should follow in Mumbai as well. The hoardings not only attract road users while driving but also spoils the look as well.   The High Level Group constituted by Planning Commission on Services Sector to examine and suggest means for development and maintenance of monuments and archaeological sites has made several recommendations. Once such recommendation is that ' the powers should pay heed to the following facts:-

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has the responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of all monuments and archaeological sites notified by the Government of India as a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites and Remains Act 1958. Some of the states have also enacted similar legislation and notified monuments and archaeological sites under the Acts. It is imperative to protect and redeem the lesser known monuments, many of which are lying in derelict state at present all over the country. All this would be fine if each state puts in place a Heritage Act and lists in it all heritage sites that need to be protected. After all, we don't have Heritage Act for any of the states. Maharashtra State should take the lead in this direction. Hoardings should be totally removed from all corners of the city and the people defying laws should be severely punished.  Despite all the restrictions on hoardings used as the publicity tool of politicians keep on multiplying and there is no stopping.  We will see an end to banner war sooner or later. Let us hope better sense will prevail in Mumbai in the days to come.