AI surveillance vehicle rolled out to monitor ads in Varanasi

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has deployed artificial intelligence technology to identify and penalize unauthorized advertisements throughout the city. The initiative aims to streamline enforcement, ensure compliance with local advertising rules, and increase revenue collection. 

A specially equipped vehicle provided by the organization Skysign was flagged off from the Rudraksh Convention Centre. The vehicle carries advanced sensors and surveillance tools to scan and collect data on advertisements across public spaces. Officials say this data will be cross-checked with municipal records to determine which ads are legal and which are not.  

The system will issue computer-generated notices to violators of advertising norms, with fines imposed when required. VMC plans to run these surveys every three months to maintain regular monitoring and define a routine for curbing illegal hoardings. 

Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari officiated the launch. Municipal officials believe that the technology will improve enforcement efficiency and significantly boost revenue. This move is seen as part of broader efforts to reduce urban visual clutter in line with smart city-type initiatives.