Panaji Activists Demand Action Against Illegal Casino Advertisements
Civic activists operating under the banner of Ponjekar against Casinos have leveled serious accusations against the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP). They claim the municipal body is deliberately turning a blind eye to the widespread proliferation of advertisements placed by both offshore and onshore casinos throughout the capital city. The group has issued a formal demand for the immediate removal of all casino-branded barricades that have been erected across Panaji.
RTI Revelations and Revenue Concerns
Citing documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the activists have revealed a startling fact: the CCP earns absolutely no revenue from these numerous advertisements and hoardings. This lack of financial benefit to the city has intensified public scrutiny and raised critical questions about the legality and oversight of such promotional activities. Furthermore, the activists noted that the Goa Police's Traffic Cell has explicitly distanced itself from these barricades, which are often utilized to channelize and manage vehicular traffic in the area.
Voices of Protest and Government Inaction
Sabina Martins, a prominent spokesperson for the group, expressed deep frustration over the situation. "For years, the government and the CCP have allowed casinos to enjoy a free rein to advertise aggressively within our city," Martins stated. "We strongly condemn what we see as an occupation of Panaji by these casino entities. It increasingly appears as though this city belongs more to the casinos than to its own residents." The sentiment reflects a growing public discontent with the perceived overreach of the gaming industry in urban spaces.
Investigative Efforts and Civic Action
In their pursuit of transparency, Ponjekar against Casinos filed multiple RTI petitions with various authorities, including the CCP and the Goa Police. The goal was to ascertain whether the capital city derives any income from the hoardings and advertisements. The responses confirmed the activists' suspicions: no permissions were granted, and consequently, no revenue is generated. "The CCP has not issued any official permission for these hoardings and barricades, and thus, they do not receive any financial compensation," Martins explained. "This begs the urgent questions: who exactly authorized these installations, and what concrete actions is the government taking to address this irregularity? We have personally met with the commissioner, highlighted these violations, and formally requested the removal of all such barricades and hoardings."
Community Mobilization and Broader Context
Demonstrating their commitment to the cause, concerned citizens have even volunteered to physically remove or repaint the offending barricades scattered throughout Panaji. This grassroots effort underscores the depth of local opposition. The issue is part of a larger pattern of activism; just last month, a delegation from Ponjekars against Casinos met with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at his Altinho residence. During that meeting, they raised significant concerns regarding the entry of Delta Corp's new casino vessel into the Mandovi river, indicating that the battle against casino influence in Goa is ongoing and multifaceted.
