BMP plans ban on hoardings

BMP plans ban on hoardings
The Hindu

A proposal in this regard is to be included in the BMP budget for 2006-2007

# A similar proposal was announced in the BMP budget for 2002-2003, but it was later withdrawn
# Government to be moved to amend the KMC Act to enforce the ban
# Lokayukta had unearthed irregularities in the BMP's advertisement department two years ago

BANGALORE: After unsuccessful attempts in the past to check "visual pollution" and prevent illegal hoardings that mar the city's skyline and also cause traffic hazards, the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) is again planning a ban on hoardings.

And, this time the civic body seems to be serious about it. The proposal is all set to be included in the BMP budget for 2006-2007, and the authorities will appeal to the State Government to amend the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (KMC) Act to enforce the ban.

Though a similar proposal was announced in the BMP budget for 2002-2003, it was later withdrawn. In 1999, the BMP had banned hoardings on its property. The fresh proposal comes in the wake of several controversies surrounding hoardings and outdoor advertising.

The Lokayukta had unearthed irregularities in the BMP's advertisement department two years ago and also probed the matter. Corporators from all parties have always blamed the BMP officials for violating norms to protect the interests of outdoor advertising companies.

In view of the controversies, BMP Commissioner K. Jothiramalingam had recommended a ban on hoardings in September 2004. Citing the Delhi Municipal Corporation's example, the commissioner said: "Though the ban will mean an annual loss of Rs. 3 crores, it will at least put an end to all controversies."

Now, members of the Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance, who are finalising the budget, are conducting zonal inspections to find out the number of illegal hoardings.

Inspection

"During an inspection of commercial areas in the South zone, we realised that the BMP is losing crores of rupees by letting the advertising companies put up hoardings in violation of norms. While the official information furnished to us points out that only some companies have violated norms, a reality check revealed that officials are fooling us," Chairperson of the Taxation and Finance Committee Lalitha Srinivas Gowda told The Hindu on Friday.

She said the committee would soon write to the commissioner seeking a ban on hoardings. "We will also include this proposal in the budget. What is the use of earning a few lakhs while losing crores. A complete ban on hoardings will at least keep the city clean," she said.

Pointing out that the officials did not know how much advertisement tax had been collected from the organisers of the recent silver jubilee celebrations of the Art of Living Foundation, she said: "Though huge hoardings and banners were put up all over the city to advertise the event, it is surprising the BMP earned a mere Rs. 44,000 as tax. This shows our officials' inefficiency in checking unauthorised hoardings."