Patna Municipal Corporation Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Advertisements
The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a comprehensive city-wide drive to dismantle unauthorized advertisements, hoardings, and banners across its jurisdiction. This decisive action comes as the civic body prepares to implement new advertisement regulations following the expiry of existing contracts. The primary objectives are to eliminate revenue leakages identified in previous licensing cycles and establish a standardized framework for future outdoor displays that will boost financial returns while enhancing urban aesthetics.
Scientific Survey and Zone-Wide Enforcement
The special enforcement drive is being conducted systematically across all six municipal zones using scientific survey methods to identify and remove unipoles and banners installed without proper authorisation. PMC enforcement teams are specifically targeting illegal installations in public spaces, on electric poles, on government premises, and on the roofs or walls of private buildings. According to an official press release issued by PMC on Sunday, the corporation has already achieved significant progress in this cleanup operation.
Zone-Wise Removal Statistics:
- New Capital Circle: 50 hoardings removed, 49 notices served
- Pataliputra Zone: 53 hoardings removed, 16 notices served
- Kankarbagh Zone: 17 hoardings removed, 89 notices served
- Azimabad Zone: 35 hoardings removed, 33 notices served
- Patna City Zone: 15 hoardings removed, 45 notices served
- Bankipur Zone: 26 hoardings removed, 21 notices served
In total, PMC has removed 196 illegal hoardings and served 253 notices to violators as part of this ongoing enforcement campaign.
Commissioner's Directives and Traffic Considerations
PMC Commissioner Yashpal Meena has issued specific directives to officials to conduct the enforcement drive during both day and night hours, particularly in congested areas, to minimize traffic disruption. "Disregard for rules will not be accepted under any circumstances," Meena emphasized. He instructed officials to ensure strict action without yielding to external pressure, aiming to prevent activities that damage the city's image and urban landscape.
Financial Recovery and Legal Action
Simultaneously with the physical removal of illegal advertisements, the corporation has initiated aggressive steps to recover substantial outstanding arrears totaling Rs 107 crore from 54 advertising agencies. Notices have been formally issued directing these agencies to clear their dues immediately. The administration has issued a stern warning that failure to comply will invite legal proceedings under the Public Demands Recovery Act and may lead to blacklisting of the concerned institutions.
This dual approach of physical enforcement and financial recovery represents a comprehensive strategy by PMC to overhaul the city's outdoor advertising ecosystem. By clearing existing unauthorized structures and implementing new standardized regulations, the civic body aims to create a more organized, revenue-efficient, and visually appealing urban environment for Patna's residents and visitors.
