Govt cracks down on 11k illegal hoardings, collects Rs20 lakh in fines

Patna: The state govt has launched a crackdown on illegal hoardings, acting against over 11,000 violations across 264 municipal bodies in all 38 districts and recovering nearly Rs20 lakh in fines so far this year.

The statewide drive is aimed at curbing unauthorised advertisements and plug revenue leaks.Deputy CM and urban development and housing minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Saturday warned that those diverting govt revenue through illegal hoardings will be treated as economic offenders. “The department is now developing a comprehensive plan to eliminate this recurring tactic and ensure lasting compliance,” he said.

Patna witnessed one of the strongest implementations of the drive. More than 200 illegal hoardings were removed within the municipal corporation limits, and notices have been served for over 250 more.In the New Capital circle of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), the enforcement team removed 51 hoardings and issued 100 notices. Patliputra circle cleared 59 hoardings and issued 22 notices. The Kankarbagh circle team took down 23 hoardings and served 89 notices; Azimabad removed 38 with 33 notices; Patna City dismantled 15 and issued 44 notices; and Bankipur removed 26 with 21 notices—taking the total to 212 hoardings removed and 309 notices issued so far.

To ensure full coverage, operations in heavily crowded areas are also being conducted at night.The deputy CM said on Saturday that the PMC has taken stern action while simultaneously pushing for revenue recovery by issuing notices to 54 advertising agencies that collectively owe Rs107.12 crore in advertisement-related dues. “These agencies have been directed to clear their outstanding amounts without delay, with warnings that failure to comply will lead to legal action under the PDR (Public Demands Recovery) Act and potential blacklisting,” he said.He added that the initiative aims to improve city beautification, ensure smoother traffic flow, and enhance public safety. Scientific surveys are being used to guide the targeted removal of uni-poles and hoardings at identified sites. Enforcement covers all unauthorised advertisements placed without permission on public spaces, roadsides, electricity poles, government properties, private buildings, rooftops, and walls.

Notices are being issued and removals carried out, while agencies with pending dues are being pressed to settle them immediately.In Bhagalpur, FIRs were lodged against 10 establishments linked to illegal hoardings, leading to the recovery of over Rs19 lakh in penalties. Darbhanga’s enforcement team removed unauthorised hoardings and seized associated materials. Muzaffarpur authorities dismantled around 55 illegal hoardings, while in Begusarai, seven hoardings were removed and notices served to 71 others. The operation continues across Bihar against all remaining violations.Katihar Municipal Corporation has moved toward regulated advertising by signing a contract worth around Rs25.75 lakh with a contractor for hoarding permissions for the 2025–26 financial year.