Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 22: The Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) has urged the South Goa Collector and District Magistrate to order a detailed inquiry into the collapse of a large advertising hoarding near Dabolim Airport, after a biker narrowly escaped injury earlier this week.

In a representation submitted to the Collector, GOACAN coordinator Roland Martins said the incident raised serious concerns over road safety and traffic management, particularly given the hoarding's location close to the international airport.

GOACAN has called for responsibility to be fixed after examining the roles of all agencies concerned, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), District Police, Traffic Police, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Public Works Department (PWD) and the concerned village panchayat.

The organisation has also sought the formulation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the inspection, approval, maintenance and management of advertising hoardings at Dabolim and other locations across South Goa.

GOACAN said the fact that no one was killed in the incident should be treated as a warning to the authorities and prompt immediate preventive measures.

It stressed that a similar collapse in the future could result in serious injuries or loss of life if corrective action is not taken.

The consumer and civic rights organisation also referred to World Tourism Day, which will be observed on September 27, and said public safety must be given priority to send a strong message of safety and responsible administration to both tourists and local residents.

GOACAN urged the authorities to conduct the inquiry at the earliest and ensure that safety standards for large outdoor advertising structures are strictly enforced across the district.