Illegal billboards pain in the neck for MC

Despite directions from Punjab and Haryana high court, the menace of illegal hoardings on highways hasn't been curbed yet. The billboards can be seen installed on the roads.

The illegal advertisement hoardings can still be seen in various markets and buildings of the city including Feroze Gandhi market, Ghumar Mandi and other areas. Besides, the hoardings of political leaders are also visible along the roads and on overhead signboards on highways.

New posters in large numbers have been pasted on the public properties including the walls of flyovers in the city while the MC employees are making efforts to remove the existing advertisements.

On Friday, the MC had issued notices to around 60 violators and gave them directions to remove illegal hoardings within three days. Also a warning was issued that a fine of `50,000 will be imposed if hoardings are not removed within the given time, said Harwinder Singh, superintendent of advertisement wing, MC.

It is pertinent to mention here that the court commissioner, appointed by the Punjab and Haryana high court, had visited several main roads of the city to inspect the status of illegal advertisements last month.

Also, hundreds of illegal banners, posters and hoardings were removed last month. Besides, the walls on main roads were white washed to hide the illegal advertisements. However, these efforts are being defeated as new illegal advertisements are taking place.

MC superintendent Harwinder Singh said the department had issued notices to around 60 defaulters as they had not removed illegal hoardings. Of them, 11 hoardings have removed the hoardings.

He said that the officials will also visit the markets to inspect the roads and if any illegal advertisement is found, stern action will be taken.

“Posters and illegal hoardings are being displayed once again. MC should take necessary action to prevent the city from defacing. The MC should implement the advertisement bylaws strictly. MC should also issue notices to the erring political leaders,” said Satinderpal Singh, a resident.