PCB to send political hoardings packing

PCB's nuisance squad has already started bringing down hoardings of political parties

After making helmets compulsory in Pune Camp, the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) is set to take another tough decision, this time targeting political parties.

At a recent board meeting, it was decided that political hoardings of all sorts will be banned within the PCB limits. The in-principle approval has been granted subsequent to a directive received from the Commissioner of Police (CP) — a letter regarding which was flashed in front of the general body.

Talking to The Indian Express, PCB vice-president Aarti Mahajan said, "We received a directive from the CP's office that political hoardings be banned within the PCB limits. The letter was produced in the GB meeting and we approved it. Our 'nuisance squad' has already started bringing down political hoardings. Even earlier, we have received such directives from state agencies such as banning of marriage processions within the cantonment limits and we have always reciprocated."

The decision to bring down hoardings of political parties comes alongside the PCB's decision to go stricter on the policies on outdoor advertisements. On October 30, The Indian Express had reported how 54 individuals owe Rs 1.25 crore to the PCB against advertisement boards and hoardings.

A decision was also taken to fix December 31 as the last date for these individuals/ agencies to clear the dues.

This triggered disputes between the individuals/ agencies and the building owners as a result of which the board decided to float a new hoarding policy. According to new rules, the entire PCB area will be divided into four zones and each will be tendered and contracted to four individuals/firms which in turn can generate revenue by allowing hoardings at specific locations within their zones.

This will reduce the hassle of the PCB, which is now dealing with 108 individuals. Instead, the board will interact with four individuals for revenue collection," Mahajan said. Both the decisions are expected to change the face of the cantonment board given that they will streamline the process of erecting hoardings within the cantonment limits.

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