Illegal hoardings: Building owners to face action

In a press release here on Monday, the Corporation said it would file complaint against those who erect such illegal banners at any of the 100 wards in the 15 zones of the city under rule 326-I of the Municipal Act, 1919. If convicted, this charge carries prison term for three years or a fine of Rs 10,000 per banner. 

In an advisory to building owners, the Corporation said they should permit only those advertising agencies that have obtained its permission to display advertisements before giving space in their premises. 

This is important, as even the building owners may face action if the rule is found to be violated. 

So far, the City Corporation has given permission to only 108 advertisement boards across the city.

When the banners are erected in approved places, they should have the approval number, date, space, duration for which it would be erected, and the name and phone number of the company setting it up. The banners that do not have these details would be considered illegal and removed.

Meanwhile, ahead of the monsoon, the civic body officials conducted a drive to clear the stormwater drains so as to prevent waterlogging in the city. 

Under the supervision of senior officials from zonal officers, Corporation workers, aided by heavy machinery, removed silt and sand from the drains. In several spots, several sacks of soil were removed from the drains.