The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a directive to all printing establishments, explicitly prohibiting the use of banned plastic materials. The directive comes in response to multiple orders from the Karnataka High Court, aiming to dismantle the rampant practice of unauthorised advertisements across Bengaluru.
According to the BBMP, it is imperative to disrupt the cycle of creating and displaying illegal advertisements, which often involve non-biodegradable plastic materials such as flexes, banners, and hoardings. These materials not only contribute to visual pollution but also pose significant environmental hazards. The civic body’s recent order emphasises the responsibility of printers to ensure compliance with Section 158 of the BBMP Act, 2020. This section mandates that all printed materials, including those for public displays like birthday wishes, obituaries, and welcoming boards, must adhere to the prescribed legal standards.
The BBMP’s directive underscores the severe consequences of violating these regulations. Any unauthorised erection, exhibition, or retention of advertisements or displays over buildings, land, structures, walls, or hoardings without written permission from the BBMP commissioner is strictly prohibited under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Defacement) Act, 1981. This law, in conjunction with the BBMP Act, 2020, forms a robust legal framework to prevent defacement and environmental degradation.
Violators of these provisions face stringent penalties, including up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh. The BBMP’s order explicitly states that printers and other agencies engaged in the business of printing displays and hoardings within the corporation limits are bound by these laws. Any involvement in producing materials likely to be used in contravention of Section 158 of the BBMP Act, 2020, constitutes abetment of a crime, making such printers liable for punishment. This directive reflects the BBMP’s commitment to enforcing legal standards and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable Bengaluru. By holding printing establishments accountable, the civic body aims to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste and maintain the city’s aesthetic integrity.
