Kerala: Municipalities take action against unapproved hoardings

KOCHI, Kerala: Numerous local authorities in Ernakulam have taken action against unauthorised hoardings and banners, resulting in fines amounting to over Rs 2.5 crore.

The municipalities have put in place measures in compliance with a directive from the high court. This directive required the removal of unauthorised flex boards that were installed without approval from local authorities.

Authorities stated that a majority of the removed boards and banners were advertising popular internet broadband services, hospitals, and political parties.

The Kalamassery municipality has sent out notices to 77 companies for putting up advertisement boards within the municipality without obtaining the required approval. The civic body discovered 5,000 illegal boards and banners within its jurisdiction and imposed a penalty of over Rs 2.45 crore. The majority of the removed hoardings belonged to two well-known internet broadband service providers, who had installed 2,184 and 2,604 boards across the municipality’s jurisdiction.

In the Thrikkakara municipality, authorities have issued a Rs 10,000 fine for those who violate the regulations. Asif Shamsudheen, an official from the health department, mentioned that they plan to carry out further inspections and send more notices to those who break the rules in the future.

The Tripunithura municipality has taken down 85 large hoardings and has requested the Tripunithura police to launch an investigation into those responsible. The municipality has also set up four squads for inspection.

Similarly, the Kochi Municipal Corporation and Maradu Municipality have cracked down on violators, particularly targeting illegal banners put up by political groups. Maradu municipality chairman Antony Ashanparambil stated that 69 companies have been issued notices to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 for installing over 90 boards and banners.