In a decisive move to reclaim the city's visual landscape, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has issued a stern warning against the rampant illegal installation of hoardings and banners across the city. The top cop has explicitly stated that such structures, which blatantly violate the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) guidelines, will not be tolerated.
Commissioner's Direct Warning to Violators
Commissioner Dayananda made his position unequivocally clear, emphasizing that the police will take strict action against those responsible for erecting unauthorized hoardings. The Commissioner specifically warned that individuals or organizations putting up illegal flex banners and hoardings would face legal consequences. This directive comes as a response to the growing clutter of advertisements, political messages, and event promotions that have sprouted on footpaths, medians, and public spaces, often posing safety hazards and defacing the city.
BBMP Guidelines and Public Safety Concerns
The core of the issue lies in the violation of established BBMP regulations. The civic body has a set of detailed guidelines governing the size, location, and structural safety of hoardings. These rules are designed not only for aesthetic upkeep but also for public safety, ensuring that such structures do not obstruct traffic signals, pedestrian pathways, or sightlines for drivers. Many of the current illegal hoardings ignore these critical safety and zoning norms, creating potential risks for accidents and injuries. The Commissioner's intervention underscores the law and order implications of these violations, treating them as more than just a civic nuisance.
Enforcement and the Path Ahead
The police warning signals a potential crackdown in collaboration with the BBMP's own enforcement teams. Historically, the problem has been persistent, with banners reappearing quickly after removal drives. Commissioner Dayananda's statement aims to deter violators by highlighting police involvement and the threat of legal action. The success of this initiative will depend on sustained coordination between the police and the civic authority to identify, penalize, and dismantle illegal structures consistently. For residents of Bengaluru, this move promises a step towards a less cluttered and safer urban environment, free from the visual pollution and physical dangers posed by unauthorized advertisements.
The Commissioner's firm stance has been noted by citizen groups and urban activists who have long campaigned for cleaner streets. It remains to be seen how effectively this warning translates into on-ground action and whether it will lead to a lasting solution for Bengaluru's hoarding menace.
