Friends,
Report in Times o0f India is reproduced below.
Colonel Shiv Raj has started a crusade against illegal posters. Such defacement of public property shows deliberate connivance of police and municipality; officials at the grass root ignore fragrant violation of law. Active citizens can play a role in dealing with the situation.
Dhirendra Krishna
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Ex-armyman's war on illegal posters
Mahima Sikand, TNN Feb 12, 2012, 06.23AM IST
MUMBAI: A retired Indian Army colonel, who had earlier tied up with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to pull down illegal posters on city roads, has now moved his fight to Mumbai.
Col (retd) Shivraj (79) has now vowed to rid Mumbai of illegal posters, hoardings and banners.
"I visit my daughter, who lives in Colaba, every year. I was walking down Marine Drive when I noticed the stretch was full of illegal posters. I was appalled at how it marred the beauty of such an important landmark. I decided that I would replicate the Delhi model in Mumbai as well," said Shivraj.
Shivraj is active on social networking sites and has roped in 200 people from across the city who are now actively involved in removing illegal posters and banners. Shivraj has met city bigwigs to attract attention to the cause. In a meeting with local corporators last week, he briefed them on the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995. "It was shocking to know that most of our south Mumbai leaders had no clue about this law and were surprised that putting up posters was a punishable offence. They promised their support in getting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to take action against offenders," said Shivraj.
However, the volunteers have also faced harassment. Volunteers in Cuffe Parade were roughed up by political party workers in January when they tried to remove their poll posters.
To avoid trouble, Shivraj met joint commissioner of police (law and order), Rajneesh Seth on Thursday. Impressed with his efforts, Seth promised him that the police would remain vigilant and cooperate with his team at all times.
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