Shimla MC launches campaign to remove unauthorised hoardings

Taking strong cognisance of the unauthorised hoardings across the town, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Shimla has launched a 10-day special campaign under which its officials will be removing unauthorised hoardings installed across the town.

Bhuwan Sharma, Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Shimla, said recently the Himachal Pradesh High Court had directed the civic body and the Police Department to remove these hoardings, banners and posters installed across the town.

He said as per the regulations of the MC, no hoardings, banners or posters could be installed on public property. “Even on private properties such as land or houses, individuals cannot put up promotional materials at their discretion. It is mandatory to seek the permission of the MC for installing hoardings on private properties,” he said.

“There is also a provision of imposing a fine between Rs 500 and Rs 10,000 for installing unauthorised hoardings and banners,” he added.

The Joint Commissioner further said if required, another drive to remove unauthorised hoardings would be launched in the town in the coming days.

Besides, the civic body had decided to install LED boards in all rain shelters situated within its jurisdiction. The MC would offer these LED boards for displaying advertisements. With this, not only the corporation would be able to generate additional revenue for itself, it would also be able to maintain cleanliness in these shelters. There are 83 rain shelters in the town.

Recently, during a general house meeting, councillors had raised concern about the number of posters and hoardings that had been installed in rain shelters and demanded the Mayor to take appropriate action in this matter.