Illegal hoardings pose risk to pedestrians, riders in monsoon

Bhopal: Civic officials are likely to face fresh scrutiny over temporary and illegal hoardings that keep getting larger and more prominent on city roads, especially during the monsoon.

In bad weather, poorly secured hoardings can become dangerous, putting pedestrians and motorists at risk.Illegal hoardings and roadside clutter remain a serious public safety concern, while also running afoul of court directives. Beyond adding to visual pollution, these unauthorised displays can distract motorists and increase the risk of accidents.BMC officials, speaking off the record, admit that controlling the spread of such hoardings is a constant challenge.

They often spring up overnight on public property, near traffic signals and on road dividers, making enforcement a persistent battle.“The issue is not only about visual clutter. It is also about public safety, because hoardings placed without proper permission or outside approved size limits can collapse, swing into traffic, or distract drivers when roads are wet and busy. On narrow stretches and signal points, that risk becomes even higher,” said an urban development consultant.

These unauthorised displays often block traffic signals, road signs and key public information boards.Most of the outdoor advertisement falls under the ambit of the BMC. With majority of the hoardings across Bhopal removed, civic body has been utilising open spaces and road intersections for displaying advertisement.In the past, BMC has permitted some organisations to advertise throughout the city for as little as Rs 500 per day.Madhya Pradesh government possesses the authority to take action against illegal advertisements and hoardings under the MP Outdoor Advertisement Media Rules, 2017, by invoking powers under Section 68(1).Additionally, the municipal corporation can initiate proceedings under Section 443 of the MP Municipal Corporation Act, 1956, specifically Rule 18(3) & (4). The 2017 Rules also encompass provisions for offenses and penalties under Rule 22MP Sampatti Virupan Nivaran Adhiniyam, 1994, the administration is obligated to implement measures to prevent the defacement of property, including buildings, huts, structures, walls, trees, fences, posts, poles, or any other erection. Section 3 of the aforementioned Act stipulates a penalty for the defacement of property and the offense is classified as cognizable