Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s (KMC) advertisement department has announced plans to replace the prevalent two-legged advertisement structures with streamlined monopoles. This initiative aims to mitigate visual pollution and create a more visually appealing cityscape. Except for some major traffic intersections, the number of monopoles will be restricted within a kilometre stretch of any road,” stated a senior civic official. This move is designed to reduce the overwhelming presence of advertisements that currently dominate Kolkata’s streets.
The initiative will not only focus on roadside advertising structures but will also extend to various urban elements. Piers of flyovers, foot overbridges (FOBs), skywalks maintained by government organisations, signal poles, secondary poles, cantilever poles, blinker poles, and police assistance booths will be cleared of advertisement clutter. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that essential city infrastructure remains free from visual pollution, thereby enhancing both safety and aesthetics.
Kolkata’s iconic skyline and historical landmarks have long been obscured by a proliferation of advertisements. By transitioning to monopoles, KMC seeks to strike a balance between necessary commercial advertising and the preservation of the city’s visual integrity. Monopoles, characterised by their single, streamlined support structure, offer a less intrusive method of displaying advertisements. This change is expected to significantly reduce the visual chaos caused by the current two-legged structures.
The decision aligns with global urban planning trends that favour minimalistic and orderly advertisement displays. Many cities worldwide have adopted similar measures to improve the urban environment, prioritising the well-being of residents and tourists alike. KMC’s initiative also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of urban aesthetics in fostering civic pride and enhancing the overall quality of life. Cleaner, less cluttered streets contribute to a more pleasant urban experience, encouraging both residents and visitors to engage more positively with the city’s environment.
As part of the implementation strategy, KMC will conduct thorough assessments of advertisement placements across the city. These evaluations will guide the systematic removal and replacement of two-legged structures with monopoles, ensuring minimal disruption to existing advertising agreements while prioritising visual improvement. The move has garnered support from various quarters, including urban planners, environmentalists, and civic activists, who have long advocated for measures to reduce visual pollution. The transition to monopoles is seen as a progressive step towards a more orderly and aesthetically pleasing urban landscape. KMC’s advertisement department will oversee the project, coordinating with relevant government bodies and private stakeholders to ensure smooth execution. This initiative represents a pivotal moment in Kolkata’s urban development, signalling a commitment to creating a cleaner, more visually harmonious city for all its residents and visitors.
