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GHMC halts approvals of hoardings

The ban is to prevent dangerously weak hoardings collapsing during heavy gales or thunderstorms.

Hyderabad: The GHMC has temporarily banned and withdrawn permission for all categories of hoardings across the twin cities till the end of the monsoon. This is in addition to suspension of hoarding licenses to current owners for May. The ban is to prevent dangerously weak hoardings collapsing during heavy gales or thunderstorms.

“The GHMC is also insisting that huge hoardings should have no ‘display’ and remain blank, without advertisements, during the monsoon season. That’s because during heavy storms, the high intensity winds can swiftly move through the hoarding without forcing it to collapse.

Owners holding licences for unipole hoardings have been asked not to advertise for clients during this season. Besides this, GHMC has specified that the structural back wiring should be strong enough to withstand wind, the protection (display) should not be heavy.

“Do not paste beyond the size of the hoarding and more,” said Ms Hari Chandana Dasari, GHMC central zone commissioner. Though the GHMC has ordered all the hoarding owners to submit a structural stability certificate, many are yet to provide this important document.

Mr N.V. Ramana Rao, civil engineering expert from JNTU, said, “Hoardings on roof tops should be limited to 30x25 inches, and should be placed on buildings not higher than two storeys. Of the four categories of hoardings, unipoles are the most dangerous, as the attached wings are supported by a single circular pole. Any damage can lead to collapse of the hoarding.”It has been suggested that all unipoles in the city need to be strengthened.".

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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