Navi Mumbai Civic Body Fails to Act Against Illegal Political Banners Despite Court Orders
Authorities in Navi Mumbai have come under severe criticism for their failure to take action against illegal political banners and hoardings that have mushroomed across public spaces. This inaction persists despite clear court orders prohibiting such defacement, particularly after the election model code of conduct was lifted and victory rallies for elected representatives commenced.
City Landscape Marred by Political Propaganda
Immediately following the conclusion of the code of conduct, the city witnessed a dramatic transformation as massive political banners appeared at various prominent locations. These posters and hoardings have become conspicuously visible throughout Navi Mumbai, creating an eyesore in areas that previously maintained a clean aesthetic during the enforcement period.
Residents express frustration that the lack of deterrent action on the ground has essentially encouraged politicians to deface the urban landscape. "During the civic polls, the city looked clean and clear of illegal banners, simply due to the imposition of a model code of conduct. Once the results were out on January 16, netas cutting across the political spectrum came into action mode to paint the city ugly," lamented resident Sameer Tupe.
Allegations of Selective Enforcement and Political Influence
Local citizens highlight what they perceive as a troubling double standard in enforcement. "Rules were stringent for the common man but not for politicians," noted one resident, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the community. Activist Bharat Samant posed a pointed question: "This is a double standard. A common man is not permitted to put up a banner for free; why is the same yardstick not applied to politicians?"
Residents allege that civic officials are either being taken for granted or are intimidated by the political clout of high-profile offenders. This reluctance to act has allowed illegal banners to cover chowks and roads across the town without obtaining mandatory permissions from various civic agencies and traffic police authorities.
Financial and Legal Implications of Inaction
The situation has significant financial consequences for the municipal body. Activist Dhananjay Suvarna explained, "Due to the prevailing situation, the civic body is incurring losses in the form of revenue generation by allowing politicians to put up banners at designated locations." This represents a direct economic impact from the failure to enforce existing regulations.
Furthermore, residents note that authorities are not moving to remove these banners or bring culprits to justice for disrespecting court directives. Vashi resident Charanjeet Singh expressed disappointment: "We are fed up with the dual policy of the civic body. The high court recently strictly instructed the civic bodies to comply with its order to make the urban areas free of defacement, but in vain."
Systemic Failures in Monitoring and Enforcement
Many residents have complained that the defacement continues unchecked despite ward officers having the authority to permit banners on streets against certain charges. The system appears to be failing at tracking illegal banners erected by local politicians, creating an environment where violations proliferate without consequence.
This situation stands in stark contrast to the previous year's performance during the Swachh Survey's final phase, when the civic body actively prevented violators from defacing the city. The current inaction represents a significant regression in urban governance and compliance with judicial mandates.
