T.M. Vijaya Bhasker, Administrator of BBMP, addressing the media with Ministers Ramalinga Reddy and Roshan Baig
BENGALURU: In the wake of the notice by Upalokayukta Justice Subhash B. Adi regarding granting licence/permission for hoardings and other advertisements in the BBMP limits, BBMP Administrator T.M. Vijayabhaskar appeared before the Upalokayukta on Monday and submitted that renewals would be done only after getting approval from the State government.
“To boost BBMP’s revenue, it was decided to increase the rate of advertisement tax and renew licences of eligible legal hoardings. However, such renewals would be done only after approval from the government,” Mr. Vijayabhaskar said.
Regarding action against illegal hoardings, he said two special squads had been formed for each BBMP zone. Action would be initiated against jurisdictional AROs and other officials in case of failure on their part. “If any illegal hoarding or flex is noticed, it will be immediately removed. However, illegal hoardings and flexes on occasions such as birthdays and religious ceremonies are being put up. I have directed the officials to take steps to remove such illegal banners and make those responsible accountable. Action will be initiated against the officials for their failure to take immediate action and initiate criminal proceedings against those who put up such hoardings, banners, etc.,” he said.
He said that tenders had been called for removal of illegal steel hoardings. He said he would direct the zonal joint commissioners to take steps to remove the hoardings that had been put up in excess to the permitted ones. The entire advertisement section of the BBMP would be computerised. All applications would be processed only through online. This would help provide information such as grant of permission period and arrears to the public, he said.
He said that as the penalty under the Advertisement Bylaws was meagre for the violators, he would recommend to the government to impose heavy penalty and initiate recovery proceedings. He said that an action taken report would be submitted within a month.
