The capital administration and the local municipal body have been throwing much weight behind the beautification of the twin capital cities. While the obvious garbage issue has received much attention there is another facet which also needs streamlining for giving the state capital a tidy image makeover.

 

The cityscape has a dishevelled look with hoardings, posters, banners all vying for space.There are norms and ethical codes that govern the size, type, placement and contents of bill boards in most developed countries. For example, tobacco ads are banned. Billboard locations are kept away from cross roads for safety. Their sizes and placement are governed by urban design or arts commissions. They get changed from papers to flex for the environment's sake. But here a lack of policy, opening of markets, consumerism and the greed for quick and easy money have all prompted public bodies as well as private premises to cash in on their road side locations, by mounting oversized bill boards.

 

In Itanagar, banners and hoardings have been erected haphazardly by private individual and firms on the Right of Way, rooftop of private buildings and private land in the Capital Complex without taking prior permission from the competent authority. A cursory glance at the foot over-bridge near Heema Hospital will prove the menace of wilful postering/bannering. This structure has turned into a collage for all the events around and a cheap way of advertising.  

 

Haphazard erection of hoarding on the Right of Way not only causes obstruction, risk of accidents but is a public nuisance.They change the interface value of buildings with the street by obstructing the view. They hide trees and landscaping elements, and are safety hazards as they are precariously mounted on roof tops or building facades not designed for such elements. They pose a safety risk as well, as many protrude on sidewalks. Billboards have also caused accidents at busy junctions by distracting travellers.

 

The capital complex is fast attracting big national and international brands besides having its own thriving business houses. Therefore, it is vital for the administration to regulate the profuse growth of rampant hoardings. By notifying designated locations, it can also generate revenue while simultaneously ensuring the aesthetics of the area and safety of its citizens.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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