BMC likely to ban political hoardings in housing socs

Can you imagine the city’s skyline being free of hoardings and banners during elections? Although this might sound like a distant dream, it is exactly what the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to do during the general and assembly polls scheduled for next year.

Even as it claims to be taking strict measures against offenders for defacing the city during the ongoing Ganesh festival, the BMC has said it is mulling over the decision to disallow banners during the period of model code of conduct too.
The restriction is planned to be extended to private properties like residential societies also.

“Normally, the Election Commission (EC) asks local governing agencies to apply their own rules/norms in connection with hoardings during the code of conduct period. But since we are planning to go for a complete ban, we are thinking of extending it to this period too,” a senior civic official said, requesting anonymity.

The official added unlike previous year, when the city went to polls last, approval won’t be granted even if a candidate seeks permission to do so. However, he said the policy needs to be approved by higher municipal authorities.

Residents welcomed the move, demanding stricter implementation of the plan, especially inside private societies. “No local goon or candidate should be allowed to come and deface a society with or without prior permission, like it used to be earlier. The rule should be adhered to strictly and not selectively. Besides, a hefty fine should be slapped on those who violate the norms,” said Rajkumar Sharma, chief of a Chembur-based citizens’ group. He demanded the political class not to oppose the plan. “If they oppose it, we will know who is to be blamed,” Sharma added. 

As reported by dna earlier, the civic body has declared to bring into effect the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995, and MMC Act, 1888, which suggest imprisonment and monetary fines to deter offenders.