Bengaluru Rolls Out New Ad Rules to Curb Visual Chaos
Bengaluru, the silicon valley of India, is known for its vibrant culture, technological advancements, and bustling streets. However, alongside its growth, the city has also been grappling with a growing concern – visual pollution. The city’s streets have been overwhelmed with unauthorized billboards, hoardings, and advertisements, creating a chaotic and distracting environment for residents and visitors alike. In a bid to curb this visual chaos, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s outdoor advertising regulations.
The new Advertisement Bylaws, 2024, under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, came into effect on July 17, marking a significant shift in the city’s advertising landscape. The rules replace outdated policies from 2006 and 2018, aiming to eliminate unauthorised hoardings, reduce visual pollution, and streamline ad revenue collection.
The new bylaws aim to achieve several key objectives. Firstly, they seek to eliminate unauthorized hoardings and billboards, which have become a menace in the city. The rules specify that only approved advertisements will be allowed, and owners of unauthorised structures will be penalized. This move is expected to restore the city’s visual aesthetic and make it more pleasing to the eye.
Secondly, the bylaws aim to reduce visual pollution by limiting the number and size of advertisements. The rules specify that advertisements should not obstruct traffic signs, pedestrian paths, or public spaces, ensuring that the city’s streets remain safe and accessible for all.
Thirdly, the new bylaws aim to streamline ad revenue collection. The BBMP has introduced a new system of issuing permits and collecting fees for advertisements. This move is expected to generate significant revenue for the city, which can be used to fund public services and infrastructure development.
The introduction of these new rules is a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to tackle visual pollution. The BBMP has been working to revamp the city’s advertising regulations for several years, and these new bylaws represent a major milestone in that effort.
The new rules have been welcomed by residents and businesses alike. “These new rules are a welcome step towards reducing visual pollution and making our city a more pleasant place to live and work,” said Rohan, a resident of Bengaluru. “It’s about time we took action to restore the city’s visual aesthetic.”
Businesses, too, have expressed support for the new rules. “We understand the need to regulate advertising in the city,” said Raj, owner of a leading advertising agency. “These new rules will help to ensure that our advertisements are displayed in a responsible and ethical manner, and that we contribute to the city’s revenue.”
The BBMP has also announced plans to create a new Urban Design and Advertising Regulation Committee, which will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the new bylaws. The committee will comprise representatives from the BBMP, the city’s planning department, and other relevant stakeholders.
The introduction of these new rules is a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to tackle visual pollution. By eliminating unauthorized hoardings, reducing visual pollution, and streamlining ad revenue collection, the city is taking concrete steps towards creating a more pleasant and sustainable environment for its residents and visitors.
As Bengaluru continues to grow and develop, it is essential that we prioritize our city’s visual aesthetic and take steps to reduce visual pollution. The new Advertisement Bylaws, 2024, are a significant step in the right direction, and we can expect to see a more pleasant and sustainable city as a result.
