PANJIM: Holding a tough stance against the new bus shelters, Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate has stated that the design is impractical and unsuitable for the climatic conditions of the city. He has demanded that the design of these unplanned bus shelters be rectified immediately and the advertising rights issued to the private agency be stopped.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, Monserrate has stated that the bus shelters are small in size to accommodate the number of passengers, who are using the public transport system in the city. He said that the top roof is inadequate to provide shade or protection from rain as well from the scorching sun. Also the seating arrangements are uncomfortable and cause inconvenience to the pedestrians. The bus shelter also obstructs the visibility of the pedestrians and the motorists thereby creating safety hazard.
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Monserrate has taken strong objection to the displaying of various advertisements on bus shelters, which, he said, is not an attribute of Smart bus stops. A copy of the letter has also been forwarded to the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL).
“I have strong objection to the incorporation of advertisements rights in the documents vis-a-vis terms and conditions of the agreement that have been executed before the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) and Primeslots Events Pvt Ltd. There is no licence granted by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to display these advertisements,” he said fearing that the CCP will lose crores of rupees if advertising rights are handed over to the private agency in an unlawful manner.
Monserrate, who is also the local MLA, has demanded that the advertising rights should vest with the CCP as per the constitutional mandate referred and has warned that he will be constrained to take further necessary measures to restore sanity in this entire exercise, if necessary action is not taken.
When contacted, IPSCDL official said, “We are examining issues raised in the letter (written by Monserrate). Contractual, legal and technical aspects need examination. In due course, an appropriate response will be shared after apprising the government of the same.”
