Goa Mayor Orders Removal of Casino Ads From Heritage Signages

Goa casinos continue to face the ire of local activists and politicians, and the latest is the city Mayor ordering that advertisements for these be removed from heritage and religious site banners.

Surendra Furtado, Mayor, Goa declared that such advertising on heritage site hoardings was illegal and that these would be scrutinized. He stated that the posters were installed without any permissions and clarified, “The City Corporation of Panaji (CCP) is not earning from them.”

Raj Vaidya, a disability rights activist claimed credit for the move and said that he had pushed the Mayor to banish the advertisements. Prajal Sakhardande, Heritage activist and spokesperson, Goa Heritage Action Group, added that, “The casino industry cannot capitalise on Panaji’s rich heritage. We can’t allow history and heritage to be defiled. Raj Vaidya, a disability rights activist, said he had urged the Mayor to get rid of the offending advertisements.

Casinos in Goa are also facing attacks by local politicians who are using them as a popular plank to garner votes in the current elections.

Cover Image Courtesy: The Hindu