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.