Hyderabad: In a unique initiative residents of Sri Lakshmi Nagar colony in Hyderabad have come out strongly against those who spoil the colony’s walls with posters and banners in the run up to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation or GHMC elections. The Residents Welfare Association has decided not to vote for such candidates.
Flexes hanging on trees, banners on electric poles and defaced walls with posters. Political parties are on a publicity blitzkrieg and occupying every possible nook and corner to catch the attention of the voters in Hyderabad. But this has angered the residents of Sri Lakshmi Nagar colony, who are actively keeping their colony neat and clear under "Swachh Hyderabad" initiative.
The RWA has decided to fight against this menace in a rather unique way. A notice has been displayed by RWA that says “All the colony residents have decided not to vote for candidates who spoil the colony walls by sticking posters. Hence we request the candidates not to spoil the walls.
There are 2500 voters in the colony and all residents have extended their support. PV Ramana, a resident of Sri lakshmi Nagar Colony said, "every political part without exception will paste posters on wall and spoil the ambiance of not only house but also colony."
Another resident Vishnu Murthy also joined him saying that they have decided to support this move by their association. He said, "we will not vote for that candidate who will spoil our wall or colony."
As per the moral code of conduct a political party or contesting candidate cannot deface public or private properties through unauthorized pasting of posters, banners, wall writings or hoardings. If any party or candidate violates it, they can be punished with imprisonment which may extends up to three months and a fine of Rs 2,000 or both. But, the political parties are openly flouting the rules. Shockingly, the RWA has given a written complaint to GHMC, political parties and even police to take appropriate legal action and to remove the hoardings, but no action has been taken so far.
Radha Krishna, Secretary of Sri Lakshmi Nagar Colony said, "the politicians don’t have fear of the law. So we thought of this idea. Hope they will have fear of losing votes."
Now, 32 nearby resident welfare associations facing same problem are considering to take up this initiative. The GHMC is conducting drive to remove unauthorized posters and banners. Till now, over 86,000 unauthorized publicity material in various areas of the city has been removed. But still violations are at large.
Defaced walls and unauthorized hoardings are a common sight during elections. But this unique step is inspiring many others in the city. But question is when will authorities wake up to the menace and ensure Hyderabad remains clean say residents of the city.
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