Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday came down heavily upon BBMP while disapproving an affidavit filed by it with regard to advertisement policy and removal of unauthorised hoarding and flexes.
Earlier the BBMP Commissioner had in an affidavit submitted that the geographical conditions, roads, zones, commercial and residential areas of Bengaluru City differ from that of other cities.
“Although we have adopted features from the advertisement policies of other states, the same needs to be applied based on the actual and factual matrix of Bengaluru City. I submit that the said exercise requires deliberation among all concerned departments of the State and active participation of experts in the field of advertisement, NGOs, residents, advertisement agency owners and all others who are directly or indirectly connected to advertisement arena,” the affidavit said.
However, the court observed that the submissions are rather vague and are difficult to be appreciated. With such suggestions, the process of making of the policy is sought to be protracted and dragged for indefinite length of time, the court said adding that it disapproves such an approach on the part of the BBMP.
Later BBMP advocate submitted that it shall file further specific affidavit giving all the particulars of the timelines and he has assured that the process would be undertaken at the earliest.
“The prima facie impression to be gathered from the propositions on the part of the BBMP is that, as regards finalising the advertising policy and as regards removal of the remaining unauthorised structures of advertisements, the BBMP is not proceeding with the expedition expected of it,” HC observed.
Further with regard to time for voluntary removal of unauthorised structure, the court said that it could only be given up to Aug 30.
The court also said that it would expect all the concerned to contribute their respective part constructively so as to ensure achieving the desired results of not only removal of the unauthorised hoardings/flexes/banners, but preventing their reoccurrence, as also ensuring that Bengaluru City ultimately achieves the objective of being a flex free, poster free and plastic free city.
It is expected of the BBMP Commissioner to file a better affidavit on the shortcomings noticed, it said.
Meanwhile, the BBMP advocate pointed out that a videography of the present position of the city shall be carried out and the same shall be placed before the court in a pen drive/CD. The case is adjourned to Aug 17 while the court expecting that BBMP shall file a better affidavit in the matter.
