The district administration in Buxar has announced a stringent crackdown on the rampant and illegal installation of advertisements across public spaces. District Magistrate (DM) Sahila, on Sunday, declared that displaying any promotional material without prior permission is now strictly prohibited and will attract punitive action.
What Constitutes Illegal Display?
DM Sahila made it clear that the Bihar Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1987 will be invoked against violators. The ban comprehensively covers a wide array of public property. This includes:
- Government buildings and walls
- Roadsides and squares
- Electricity poles and bridges
- Any other public place
The administration has observed that private coaching centres, institutions, commercial firms, and political or social organisations are frequently guilty of putting up banners and flex boards without any authorisation. This practice, the DM noted, severely mars the city's visual appeal and creates unnecessary inconvenience for citizens.
Directives for Immediate Action
To tackle this issue head-on, the DM has issued specific orders for a coordinated drive. She has directed the executive officers of Buxar and Dumraon nagar parishads, all nagar panchayats, and every block-level officer to take immediate steps in their respective jurisdictions.
The officials have been tasked with a clear mandate:
- Conduct special drives to identify all unauthorised promotional materials.
- Immediately remove all such illegal hoardings, flex boards, and banners.
- Identify the individuals or organisations responsible for the illegal displays.
- Register First Information Reports (FIRs) against the identified offenders.
- Impose appropriate fines and recover the entire cost incurred in the removal process from the violators.
Appeal to Public and Institutions
In her statement, DM Sahila also made a public appeal. She urged private institutions, coaching centres, companies, political parties, and general citizens to act responsibly. Advertisements and promotional materials should only be displayed at officially approved locations after obtaining the necessary due permission from competent authorities.
The DM emphasised that full responsibility for any unauthorised banner or poster will rest solely with the concerned person or the institution whose name appears on it. The administration's move aims to restore order and aesthetics to public spaces while enforcing the rule of law.
