Old habits die hard. This saying is apt for all those who believe in conveying the seasons greetings through illegal publicity material.
Despite the best efforts of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to discourage the practise, posters and other materials have sprung up across the city since the last two days wishing the citizens Christmas, New Year, and Sankranti greetings. Implementing the Defacement of Public and Private Properties Act, the officials pulled down around 2,500 unauthorised cut-outs, flexi posters, banners, hoardings, and photographs.
A total fine of Rs. 18,300 was collected from those indulging in the practise. While the number of cut-outs removed were 214, the count of illegal flexi posters was as high as 482. The number of banners and posters pulled down was 790 and 866, respectively. More than 200 photographs and 16 hoardings were also removed as part of the drive.
Not just the officials, but public representatives also took part in the exercise. Sama Tirumal Reddy, Corporator of Hayatnagar ward, personally took down 40 banners in his area.
“We should all strive to make the city look beautiful. I removed posters which were put up by local members of my party for me. There are many eateries who erected such material for marketing their venture. But I have been going around telling people that these banners and posters not only make the streets look ugly but are also dangerous since it they can block the view of commuters,” he said.
In the recent past, higher officials of the GHMC quoted High Court orders and Acts to discourage people from resorting to such practises. However, on Monday, the State Secretariat, which is the seat of power, also became the venue for such banners, and the authorities failed to act immediately.
