GHMC bans unauthorised wall posters and writings, banners, cutouts

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to impose a ban on wall posters and unauthorised writings in its jurisdiction.

A circular to this effect was released by GHMC commissioner Amrapali Kata on Friday, following the concerns raised by a section of the people about the installation of illegal banners, hoardings and wall posters in the GHMC limits.

Public areas continue to be defaced by unauthorised posters, banners and graffiti despite GHMC’s cleanup initiatives. Despite being against the law, political posters, commercial ads and banners announcing religious events and activities are commonplace throughout the city.

In 2016, the GHMC had imposed a ban on wall posters. However, it was not implemented in a full-fledged manner due to various reasons.

‘No printing without permission’

“To uphold the aesthetic appeal of our city and maintain the cleanliness of compound walls in both private and public establishments, there is a need for implementing strict measures against unauthorised pasting of posters and wall writings,” Amrapali said.

Elaborating further, she said that the deputy commissioner would convene a meeting of all local printers within their jurisdiction and ensure no printing is taken up without valid permission. Strict notices would be issued against the printing of posters without the valid permission of the commissioner, GHMC.

‘No movie posters on walls’

Amrapali also said that the deputy commissioner would coordinate with all film theatre owners to ensure that no movie posters are affixed on walls. Referring to the enforcement, she said that directions would be given to all the deputy commissioners to take necessary actions, impose penalties, and ensure strict enforcement of these regulations regarding wall posters, paintings, and writings.

“All the deputy commissioners will submit a report on action taken on levying penalties as per the rates mentioned in the circular issued on August 8, 2007, on unauthorised banners, posters, cutouts, flexis etc, to the undersigned,” the GHMC commissioner said.