‘This is an example of absolute foolishness’

16 spots at the Airport have two signboards depicing the same symbol

Kunal Purohit

While going to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), from the Sahar road as well as from the Andheri-Kurla road, one’s vision is hit by signboards instructing motorists about the various regulations to be followed there. The peculiar situation here is that at many spots, there are two signboards with the same message. Entering the airport from Sahar road, DNA Westcoast counted the number of spots where there were two signboards depicting the same instruction. A total of 16 such spots were found. Citizens are questioning the reasoning behind the same. Biju Augustine, a Marol resident and AGNI activist, says, “ I have been a frequent flyer, and hence, I always notice these signboards. I don’t understand the logic behind having two or more signboards saying the same. At most spots, these poles are right next to each other, just adding to the stupidity!” Augustine adds, “I had noted that one of the two boards has MTP inscribed on it, which indicates that it was put up by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). If true, then it’s a criminal waste of the taxpayer’s money.” James John, another AGNI activist, says, “The concerned bureaucrats and officials should have common sense. I presume that they must be having some budgetary allocations for installing signboards and that is why they have blindly installed signboards. This is exactly what I call bureaucratic foolishness. Would these officers put two name plates on their doors ?” Quips Augustine, “I don’t know if this is some strategy by the authorities to prove it to all the visitors to the country, as to how we Indians don’t understand something that is told to us once!” When contacted, R Dhakne, ward officer, K-East Ward, initially denied putting those boards, even when told that the boards had ‘MTP’ markings. However, when pointed out that what these boards signified, he admitted, “These boards have been put up by the BMC.” When asked further, he suddenly stated that he was busy. The Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) spokesperson didn’t respond, despite repeated efforts. dnawestcoast@dnaindia.net <<>