3 days ago
Kolkata Removes Puja Banners Breaching Advertising Guidelines
Kolkata’s civic body took down some festival advertisements put up too early or in places where they blocked views.
The banners were connected to Durga Puja and other celebrations.
Organisers now need permission from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation before putting up temporary ads.
The ads may be displayed from October 3 to October 28.
They cannot go on road dividers or block bus shelters and approved street advertisements.
The civic body also sent notices to agencies responsible for some of the banners.
Officials say the rules are meant to keep advertisements under control and help ensure the city is cleaned up after the festival.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation teams removed banners in parts of south Kolkata on Friday.
Officials said some banners obstructed views of bus shelters, LED poles, and permitted street hoardings.
The civic body has introduced a no-objection certificate requirement for temporary Puja advertisements.
Advertisements are permitted only from October 3 to 28 and cannot be placed on medians or road dividers.
The KMC issued notices to advertising agencies and said nearly half of major Puja organisers had received an NOC.
- Who
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation teams, Puja organisers, and advertising agencies.
- What
- The KMC removed banners that breached advertising rules and issued notices to agencies.
- Where
- Parts of south Kolkata, including areas near Beckbagan, Golpark, and Park Circus.
- When
- On Friday; the permitted advertising period is October 3 to 28.
- Why
- Some banners were installed before the permitted period or obstructed bus shelters, LED poles, and permitted street hoardings.
KMC's stated rationale
Puja advertising practice
Regulating banners and hoardings
KMC's stated rationale
The KMC says advertisements should follow its rules, avoid blocking public infrastructure, and be removed after the festival to keep the city clean.
Puja advertising practice
The article says banners and flexes put up by Puja organisers have commonly covered buildings and public facilities; it does not include a response from organisers about the new restrictions.
Key facts
- Civic body
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
- Removal date
- Friday, the day before Puja committees were to begin putting up advertisements officially
- Permitted display period
- October 3 to 28
- NOC requirement
- Puja committees must apply to the KMC for a no-objection certificate before putting up temporary advertisements.
- Placement restrictions
- Temporary banners and hoardings cannot be erected on medians or road dividers, or obstruct views of bus shelters and permitted street hoardings.
- Compliance
- The KMC official said nearly half of the city's major Puja organisers had received a formal NOC.
Quotes
Senior KMC official
Kolkata Municipal Corporation official discussing the banner removals.
“A few hoardings near a school in Beckbagan, around Golpark and Park Circus have been pulled down because they were obstructing the visibility of bus passenger shelters and LED poles.”
telegraphindia.com
“This has to stop. Puja committees must be accountable and leave the city clean at the end of the festival.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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