Citizens voice concern over illegal banners defacing Navi Mumbai during Ganeshotsav

Navi Mumbai: During the 11-day Ganesh festival, illegal advertisements have proliferated across Navi Mumbai, raising concerns among citizens. Despite a court order prohibiting flex and banner displays, the city is filled with unauthorised flex banners, resulting in loss of lakhs of rupees in municipal revenue and disfiguring the city's landscape. Citizens expect that individuals intending to put up flex banners should obtain proper permission and pay the necessary fees, which has not been adhered to during this festival. "It is sad the administration has no courage left to implement any rules in such cases," said activist Sudhir Dani. Noting the widespread violation of high court directions during Ganpati visarjan, Alert Citizen Forum sent a legal notice to the civic body. "Since religious festivals are an integral part of society, celebrating them is welcome, but while doing so, it is expected that nature, environment, and natural water sources should not be harmed," said Arun Kagle, an activist. An NMMC official stated that deterrent measures will be taken soon. Alert residents alleged that authorities are accused of selective action on defacement and encroachment issues. Nerul-based activist Gopal Das highlighted that defacement issues in the city have become chronic, with authorities showing little concern for the problem. Das stated, "Anti-encroachment department of the civic body has been discharging cosmetic jobs of removing advertisements selectively and when it comes to netas, their machinery does not work." Dr Siddhart Yadav, who has been highlighting issues of encroachment, defacement, and destruction of mangroves for over many years, said the civic body targets those who don't pay bribes to the field officials who are in charge of carrying out demolition drives. He added, "No action is being taken against the perpetrators."