Unlock 2.0 cold comfort for Bengaluru hoardings business

The unlocking of Bengaluru and rest of Karnataka, following the stringent lockdowns that were enforced by the state government to fight a raging second wave of Covid19 pandemic, is bringing back traffic and people movement to the streets, that in the normal course, would have been a moment of great relief to any outdoor advertising business. However, Unlock 2.0 has brought cold comfort to the 150 odd outdoor media operators and agencies that are anxiously waiting for the introduction of the much-awaited Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Advertisement Rules, 2019 that is pending approval in the Urban Development Department of Karnataka Government.

With each passing day, the 1,000+ day ban on large format outdoor advertising in the city, is causing greater challenges to the people whose livelihood depended on this line of business. The civic body itself would have got back the ad revenue source that it so badly requires in these times of resource constraints to remedy the pandemic-impacted civic affairs.

Under Unlock 2.0, all shops will be allowed to open till 5PM. Buses and metro services will be operational at 50% capacity. government and private officers can function with 50% attendance. Outdoor sports will also be allowed without spectators, and gyms, lodges and resorts can also admit up to 50% capacity.