PANAJI: Following outcry in social media and protests by conservation activists, city Mayor Surendra Furtado has ordered the removal of advertisements by casinos from signages depicting heritage and religious structures.
Mr. Furtado said advertising on heritage signage was illegal and a probe would be conducted into the matter. “The posters were put up without permission. The City Corporation of Panaji (CCP) is not earning from them.”
Heritage activist and spokesperson, Goa Heritage Action Group, Prajal Sakhardande said, “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.
Goa has five operating offshore casinos and around 10 onshore ones operating from hotels.
Their continued operation was an important issue in the State Assembly elections held on February 4.
