The Times of India    30.12.2014

Nagpur Municipal Corporation temperature display boards immune to the cold

NAGPUR: When Nagpur city shivered at 5 degree Celsius on Monday morning, your heart could have taken some warmth from the display boards installed by Nagpur Municipal Corporation at some of the city's busy junctions. Most of the boards display wrong temperatures, including indicating 24 degree Celsius late on Monday night in this weather.

NMC had undertaken a project to display temperature, pollution level and time with private participation. With none of the indicators being maintained, it seems the civic body's initiative was simply meant to help a private advertising agency exploit prime locations.

The idea behind the move was to generate some revenue for NMC by allowing advertisements on the boards that display the information. However, the civic body did not get a single penny. NMC had entrusted a city-based outdoor advertising agency with the job of erecting 8x6 feet electronic display boards at many junctions. These boards were meant to display atmospheric and environmental data on the top one foot, while advertisements occupy the remaining space. The boards were supposed to display live temperature, humidity and carbon monoxide levels at the locations.

Most of these are either not operating or show incorrect figures. The carbon monoxide (CO) data appears suspect at many places as compared to traffic density. In the past too TOI has highlighted this issue, but the civic body failed to ensure correct display of temperature etc. On Monday, TOI surveyed 11 junctions where these electronic displays are erected.

It was found these displays were functioning at only four sites. These displays frequently show significant difference in temperature between two consecutive junctions. The display board at Law College Square was showing the temperature at 24 degree Celsius on Monday at 9.30pm.

"The non-functioning indicators have exposed the civic body's intention to favour advertisers at the cost of taxpayers," alleged leader of opposition in the civic body Vikas Thakre.

This was not the first such instance. In the past too, the civic body had allowed a private firm to display advertisements on traffic islands. The firm was also supposed to maintain the islands, but it blatantly ignored these conditions of the agreement. "As a result, today most traffic islands are an eyesore, with even the advertisements grills in a dilapidated condition," a miffed Thakre said.

"The advertisements are a good source of income, but not contributing to knowledge sharing. Authorities need to keep vigil on maintenance of these traffic islands," said sources. The idea of using traffic islands was a good concept, but they highlight bad or no maintenance.

Public works committee chairman Sandip Joshi expressed concern and assured that he will direct the concerned department to issue show cause notice to the advertiser.