BSY spikes BBMP move on billboards

BSY spikes BBMP move on billboards
BY R. JAYAPRAKASH
Bengaluru:








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Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike’s attempts to restrict billboards in the city got a thumbs down from the Chief Minister who himself had made statements in the floor of the House that he would bring in a new policy to ensure Bengaluru’s skyline would be free from ugly hoardings. According to a highly placed official source, the authority which attempted to iron out ambiguities in the archaic advertisement policy was surprised to see representatives of the outdoor advertisers association in the hall. “A meeting was called by the Chief Minister in mid-August to discuss the draft policy. We were surprised to see representatives of the outdoor advertisers association in the hall. The members told the Chief Minister that the sector would be badly hit if the new policy was introduced. The CM asked them leave the hall and the next thing we heard was instructions from Mr Yeddyurappa to drop the proposal,” said an officer, shocked at the turnaround. He said that he had never seen such a dramatic turn around in his entire career on a policy for which the palike had rallied for a long time, even if it meant hurting its own coffers.

“The new policy had it that all hoardings would be removed after the expiry of their licenses and no new licences would be issued. Also, we suggested a blanket ban on banners and posters to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the city. Instead, ad space would be allotted in certain areas and public facilities. The policy also allowed for swanky electronic boards which would also act as public information space,” said the officer.

The Chief Minister told us that it was not possible to stop political parties from putting up banners and posters. “The Chief Minister told us that we cannot bring such rules that bring discomfort to political parties.

“He asked us to allow it but to fix a time cap of a day or two prior or post conventions. He gave us instructions to ban hoardings in Zone A and Zone B and asked us not to disturb the current set up. It was all pre-meditated and we were called there to only receive instructions,” said the officer. The officer further alleged: “After investigations it has come to light that lobby has paid Rs 20 crore to reverse the decision, much of which has been utilised for the recently concluded national executive meet. “A city legislator, who runs outdoor ad business in his brother’s name has brokered the deal. It is unfortunate that the CM is buckling under pressure and had changed his mind at the last minute to strike down a policy that would gone a long way in settling many issues related to outdoor ads.”