Bangalore :Further to our story yesterday on the BBMP’s initiative to ban the banners (illegal ones) and the deadline expiring yesterday, the BBMP removed thousands of banners, 7620 of them in fact, during a drive against illegal banners.

They also filed 4 cased under the the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act in Bommanahalli zone.  The Act stipulates punishment of imprisonment of six months or fine which may extend up to Rs 1,000 or both.

Soon however, they  realized the humongous nature of their task and the nature of the beast that they are up against – Fresh ones sprang up on Friday — placed by supporters of chief minister Siddaramaiah. Reportedly these were put up by one Sundar Raj Company. We will have to wait and see what action, if any is taken against the said company or whether these are regularized through the collection of the requisite fee.

The BBMP’s drive covered some areas in the central business district and included Shanti Nagar, Frazer Town, Commercial Street and Church Street, but flex banners wishing the chief minister on his birthday sprang up in areas around the Vidhana Soudha and Hudson Circle.

 The drive came in  the wake of Upa Lokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi directing zonal joint commissioners to take stringent measures, including criminal action, against the persons on whose behalf the hoardings are displayed

The BBMP commissioner was of the opinion that removal and prosecution is not the only answer. Education, awareness of the procedure (Permission must be obtained from the BBMP against payment of requisite fee)  and enforcement of the law must go hand in hand.

The highest number of banners – 2,581 were removed in Yelahanka zone, while only 55 banners were removed in Mahadevpura zone.