It was just before election that Bangaloreans witnessed a sea of
change in the city’s outlook. There was absolutely no sign of any
political hoarding anywhere. However, soon after the election results
were announced, the city was littered with congratulatory posters and
hoardings. Thereby, crucifying the beauty of the garden city.
Interestingly, taking note of the situation, Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara
Palike (BBMP) have given a deadline to all political parties to remove
the unauthorised hoardings within 24 hours.

Speaking to City
Express,  Venkateshappa, Joint Commissioner of east zone said, “We have
issued the directive on May 21 and it will last for 24 hours. Those
failing to abide by it will face serious action.” What the High Court
and citizens of Bangalore failed to do, the Election Commission of India
was able to implement. For once namma Bangalore was free from
hoardings.

However, the situation did not continue for long.
Speaking to City Express, noted environmentalist and film maker Suresh
Heblikar said, “ This process was started by T N Seshan, the 10th Chief
Election Commissioner of India (December 12, 1990 to December 11, 1996).
I wrote a letter to him stating how we can bring less damage to the
environment. With these hoarding we waste tonnes of wood and water. Why
scar the city when we can preserve it? I have even mentioned this point
in one of my letters to Ramakrishna Hedge, ex-chief minister of
Karnataka. I feel that the BBMP can very well implement this rule
strictly and maintain the serenity of the city with the help of police
and board of urban development.” When City Express contacted MLA N A
Haris on the removal of his hoardings, we were astonished to learn his
ignorance about the directive of BBMP.

He said, “I really do not
have any knowledge about this. But if BBMP has given such directive I am
sure my party men will remove the hoardings or else BBMP themselves
will remove them. Putting up hoardings after a victory is very common.
We do not propagate posters as hoardings are a safer option because we
can put them up and remove them without disturbing the beauty of the
place. I too want the city to be kept clean. I feel the BBMP should
demarcate areas for hoardings. That should solve the problem.”

Although,
the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have launched many drives
to remove unauthorised hoardings, flexes, posters, banners and
buntings, they failed to bring uniformity.

They have launched many night drives as well and have taken action against those who have put up hoardings.

Now, will the city be rid of political hoardings once and for all? Only time can tell.

Laws

(1) Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfiguration) Act, 1981 – Police Act

(2) Section 15 of the Tree Preservation Act, 1976 – BBMP Act

(3) Section 367, sub-Section 31 of the Karnataka Municipal Act, 1949 – BBMP Act

Penalty
for unauthorized disfigurement by advertisement – as per The Karnataka
Open Places (Prevention of Disfiguration) Act, 1981 states, Whoever by
himself or through another person affixes to, or erects, inscribes or
exhibits on, any place open to public view any advertisement without the
written permission of the local authority having jurisdiction over such
area, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to six months or fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both.

Not satisfied

Last year, the
HC made it clear that it was “not satisfied” with BBMP’s affidavit on
the removal of unauthorised banners/hoardings, the high court sought to
know how many politicians had been penalised.

In fact, last year
in December the Karnataka High Court ordered issue of notice to the
Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and four other gram panchayats in
connection with a status report filed by the Chief Secretary of Gram
Panchayats on hoardings erected on the way to Bengaluru International
Airport.

Ad Laws – 2006

Part of Section VI – Item 7. Miscellaneous Norms, states that:

(1) No person shall display posters in the city of Bangalore.

(2)
No person shall advertise in any manner or cause to be advertised, any
advertisement stuck, nailed, tied, attached, fixed in any manner on any
tree in the city of Bangalore.

(3) No person shall use “Wall
Painting” as an outdoor media in the city of Bangalore without valid
permission from the Commissioner of BBMP except in the prescribed ‘D’
zone as per conditions prescribed by the Council in this regard.

(4)
No person shall affix any type of advertisement on any electrical
poles, or telephone poles in the city of Bangalore without valid
permission.

(5) Carrying of advertisement on animals, animal drawn
vehicles/carriages or using live animals to advertise in the city of
Bangalore is prohibited.

BBMP officials in the “Department of
Advertising” mentioned that the onus of prevention/taking action against
persons who disfigure public property has been decentralised.