Remove billboards erected within 40 mtr of NH: Bombay HC

The Goa bench of Bombay High Court has directed the Goa government of all the billboards erected within 40 metres of national highway to be removed immediately. The bench comprising of Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice N A Britto on Tuesday asked the State Government to file compliance report by 25th August. The order attains significance as Goa's picturesque highways are blocked with these hoardings forcing the High Court bench to take a suo motto cognizance of the violation of section 38 of the National Highway Act. All Goa Outdoor Advertising Agencies Association, which argued against the removal of hoardings, stated that 1,500 hoardings has been presently removed on both sides of the national highways in the state. However, Advocate General Subodh Kantak argued that the government had not issued any notification granting permission to erect hoardings and billboards along the national highways. The division bench also considered a circular issued by the public works department on 4th January, 2004 freezing construction within 75 meters on either side of the road and not to erect hoardings. The Court also observed that all types of hoardings were prevented from being erected as per section 24 of the Environment Protection Act, as it was causing obstruction to vehicle operators. It also added that the Supreme Court, besides the Bombay and Punjab High Courts, had also ordered the removal of such hoardings along highways.

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