Hoardings, banners and other publicity material in the Capital, which are in violation of the model code of conduct ahead of the municipal elections, will soon be taken down. The code of conduct for the April 22 elections came into force on Tuesday.
Check ‘defacement’
The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has started the process to act against illegal use of advertisements. The North Corporation Commissioner P.K. Gupta has directed officials to prevent “defacement”.
With the model code of conduct in place, the civic bodies cannot take any coercive action, unless on court orders, to demolish or seal buildings.
Eye on encroachments
However, officials will keep an eye on encroachments, a senior official said.
The Commissioner also issued directions to appoint two nodal officers in each zone, who will work with the Returning Officers in preparing polling stations.
The corporation staff were also informed that they would not be allowed to take leave, apart from emergencies, for 45 days.
Sources in the East Delhi Municipal Corporation, meanwhile, said similar instructions would be issued soon. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation is also expected to follow suit.
While the use of the public exchequer to publicise the government or the corporations is not allowed, Delhi is littered with hoardings of political parties and leaders. Many of these are unauthorised and would have to be removed.
