With eye on revenue, BBMP considering amendment to advertisement policy

BENGALURU: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is planning to amend its bylaws to allow outdoor advertisement hoarding with an eye on raising more revenue.

The Palike is also spending on clearing illegal flexes, posters and banners and hopes that with the new policy, the menace can be contained while also generating revenue.

Under the amended policy, the BBMP plans to identify places where hoardings can be erected and the tariffs. There will be separate rules on erecting hoardings and only specified dimensions will be allowed, among other plans.

The BBMP spends its funds to clear illegal flexes and banners.

Prior to the Karnataka High Court banning the hoardings in the city, the Palike used to earn about Rs 4-50 crore every year, but lost revenue due to the advertising mafia. Now, with the changed rules, it is looking at generating about Rs 300 crore annually.

It is said that there is pressure from the MLAs also to come out with a new policy before the election and the civic body is waiting for the Chief Minister’s nod.