Hyderabad Residents Concerned Over Advertising Boards

Hyderabad residents concerned over advertising boards posing danger to commuters

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Neelima Eaty 22 Jan 2025 7:27 PM

News in short:

Residents of Hyderabad are concerned about the proliferation of large advertising boards in the city, citing safety risks to commuters and damage to the city's aesthetic appeal. A board in Khajaguda has specifically raised alarm, with citizens fearing it could cause significant harm if it were to fall. Social media activist Harish Kumar Daga has highlighted the issue, questioning the GHMC's inaction and calling for removal of these boards. The GHMC, despite issuing regulations and an online permit system for advertisements, has not been able to fully curb the issue. While they have imposed fines and collaborated with printers to prevent unauthorized materials, the presence of illegal boards continues to be a problem. Citizens are frustrated with the lack of effective enforcement and demand stronger action from the GHMC to create a safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing city.

Hyderabad: Residents of Hyderabad are raising alarms over the presence of large advertising boards in the city, with many expressing concerns that they pose a significant risk to commuters. One such board, located in Khajaguda, has been flagged by citizens who warn that if it were to fall, it could cause serious harm to passersby and vehicles. This has prompted calls for stronger regulation and enforcement to prevent potential accidents.

Social activist Harish Kumar Daga (@HarishKumarDaga) highlighted the issue on social media, posting images of advertising boards at locations such as Road No. 92 in Jubilee Hills and near Masab Tank. In his post, he questioned the GHMC’s inability to remove the boards, asking, “Who is backing them? Why is @GHMCOnline not able to remove them?” He further tagged the GHMC mayor and other officials, urging action.

There are so many such boards and hoardings that are illegal. Anyone thinks it’s their right to put up. There’s one in Khajaguda which is under gram panchayat. Big. If it falls it’ll be dangerous for the commuters. @revanth_anumula Garu, pl take steps to regulate such hoardings. pic.twitter.com/T1j1LI611O

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Other citizens have echoed these concerns, noting the risks posed by poorly maintained or illegally placed boards in busy areas. Some have pointed out that the presence of these boards continues to affect the city’s aesthetic appeal and overall cleanliness, despite recent efforts by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to regulate advertising materials.

In December 2024, the GHMC issued a notice to all trade establishments, mandating the payment of an advertisement fee for all Glow Sign Boards, Name Boards, Flex Boards, Stickers, etc., displayed on their premises. This is in accordance with Section 421 and Section 622(2) of the GHMC Act, which requires businesses to obtain prior permission for such displays. The GHMC has also introduced an online module for businesses to apply for permissions and pay the required fees, making the process more convenient. Failure to comply will result in penalties.

Despite these measures, residents continue to voice frustration over the continued visibility of banners and advertisements. The GHMC’s efforts to streamline enforcement, including penalties for violators and coordination with local printers to prevent the printing of unauthorized materials, have yet to yield the desired results. With concerns about safety and city aesthetics mounting, citizens are now calling for more effective enforcement to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing environment in Hyderabad.