GHMC removes ban on hoardings

Three months into ban of hoardings keeping safety issues in mind, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has finally approved of hoardings in Hyderabad but only those which have lesser hazard possibilities. The approval has also come in place with a clause that agencies need to sign undertakings according to which they will be held sole responsible in case of any mishap.

According to the new rule based on the recommendations of NV Ramana Rao Committee, the size for wall mounted and ground hoardings has been limited to 40 ft x 25 ft and rooftop hoardings to 30ft X 25 ft and not on buildings exceeding more than two levels. All the hoardings will be subjected to inspection, assessment and certifications by JNTUH. B Janardhan Reddy, Commissioner of GHMC said that they decided to bring back hoardings in the city in order to keep OOH industry alive but without negotiating on the safety measures.

Subbarao of Hyderabad-based Prakash Arts said, "Earlier the guideline for structural design of billboards was to withstand 100 km/hour of wind speed while it has now been upgraded to 158 km/hour. Definitely, the guidelines are much more stringent now but we must understand that it will stabilize the outdoor industry of the city even if this calls for some initial investments from media owners.”