With the High Court ordering the immediate removal of unauthorised
billboards in the city, the Corporation has begun the drive to pull down
posters and flexboards across the city.

“The civic body has
already started removing illegal billboards. More will be pulled down in
the coming days,” said K J Sohan, town planning committee chairman.

“Though
advertisers and contractors get sanction for installing smaller
flexboards, later on they misuse the opportunity and erect bigger ones
without the consent of the Corporation.

To keep an eye on such
unauthorised billboards the Corporation will introduce Radio Frequency
Identification system (RFID) next month.

The system is an
electronic tag which will help track the location and size of the
billboards. The authorities can decide the tax according to the inputs
from the device.

The plan for an RFID system was introduced last year but there was a delay in its implementation, said a Corporation official.

The Corporation can fine up to `5000 on those contractors or advertising agency that are seen flouting the norms.

The traffic police have also decided to assist the Corporation in the drive to remove  unauthorised flexboards and posters.

“We
will be cooperating with the Corporation to help remove billboards
especially along the highways,” said P P Shams, ACP of Traffic
East.“Notices have been sent to all police stations regarding this.
Criminal case will be charged against those found erecting illegal
publicity materials,” said Baby Vinod, ACP Traffic West.

“Most
parts of the city are smeared with posters and billboards of politicians
and flexes stuck on wooden frames are seen dangerously jutting out from
electric posts,” said Ajith Menon, a resident of Edappally

Last
year, the Corporation had initiated a similar drive which proved to be a
failure. But this time the authorities have decided to act tough on
defaulters.