Bhubaneswar: The civic body has taken steps to de-clutter by imposing a ban on billboards and hoardings in different zones across the city. Mounting rooftop hoardings or signage will be banned in these "No Hoarding Zones" from now on.
In a notification issued on the civic body website in tune with Bhubaneswar Advertisement Regulation, 2015, the authorities have declared entire Old Town and parts of the city, including Rajpath and Sachivalaya Marg, as No Hoarding Zones.
The municipal corporation will also form a special enforcement squad to look after the drive and sensitise people on the ban. The squads will also dismantle hoardings already mounted at these zones.
"We have prepared a map of the city clearly identifying the No Hoarding Zones. People can get an idea about the ban by looking at the map. We have also started sharing details on our website and social media platforms to let know people about the new policy," said a civic official.
Governor House Square to 120 Battalion Square, Airport Square to Rabindra Mandap Square, Capital Hospital Square to Sishu Bhavan Square, PMG Square to Master Canteen Square, 120 Battalion Square to Rabindra Mandap Square and Governor House Square to AG Square are the other locations that have been included in the list.
"Old Town was selected for its heritage that includes a number of ancient monuments. Other places were chosen based on the establishments they have. Any kind of hoardings would be banned here and anyone found violating the rules would face action according to rules," said the official.
However, the civic body will have its work cut out considered the present state of affairs at these designated zones. Different kinds of hoardings, ranging from rooftop billboards to signage, clutter the skyline. The hoardings not only hamper the city's beauty, but are also a major distraction for commuters, who can get blindsided by their placing.
"The bigger hoardings distract us and are a major risk during commutes. There has to be control over mounting of such hoardings not only to save lives but also to keep the city's skyline intact. I hope that the authorities will take proper steps to address the problem," said Shastri Nagar resident Dayanidhi Sahu.
Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said they were going to be proactive in implementing the new policy. "We held a meeting earlier this month and identified the zones and will carry out special enforcement activities. The hoardings at the identified places will be removed shortly," he said.
