Although the civic administration had
tabled the draft policy in September, the standing committee had not
taken any decision on it. The policy was also aimed at curbing “visual
pollution“; this would mean hoardings cannot be erected at any place
and location. The policy would again come up for discussion at the
general body meeting.

The new policy would ensure that no sky signs or advertisements are displayed in such a manner that would inconvenience the traffic or pedestrians.
The policy also sets rules regarding the size and structure of
advertisements. Also, no advertisements will be allowed in public places
such as gardens, hill tops, hill slopes, rivers or historic and
religious sites.

According to the draft policy, all permissions
for existing sky signs will be cancelled. The city will be divided into
zones and new permissions will be given as per the new policy.

Meanwhile, the build operate and transfer committee of the corporation
has approved a proposal for generation of electricity from the biogas
generated at the sewage treatment plant near Naidu hospital. Hotel waste
would be used for generation of electricity at the plant, standing
committee member and opposition leader Aba Bagul said on Wednesday. The
BOT committee also approved a proposal for beautification of traffic
junctions through private partnership.