Stringent action on cards to remove illegal advertisement boards in Kozhikode

A new directive issued by the Kozhikode municipal authorities this week has set a strict deadline for the removal of illegal advertisement boards that have been proliferating across the city’s streets and public spaces. The order, which was announced at a press conference held by the city’s Deputy Mayor and the senior officials of the Urban Development Department, mandates that all businesses, contractors and individuals who have erected unauthorised hoardings must dismantle them within fifteen days, failing which criminal proceedings will be initiated. The move comes after a series of complaints from residents and civic groups who have long argued that the unchecked growth of such boards not only mars the visual landscape of Kozhikode but also poses safety hazards and contributes to traffic congestion.The municipal corporation’s decision is anchored in the provisions of the Kerala Town and Country Planning Act, 1972, and the State’s Advertisement Regulation Rules, which empower local bodies to regulate the placement of outdoor advertising..

Under the new directive, a detailed survey will be conducted by a task force comprising officers from the municipal engineering wing, the police, and the state’s Department of Commercial Taxes. The task force is tasked with identifying every board that does not bear a valid permission certificate, and will compile a comprehensive list to be circulated to the respective owners within three days of the survey’s completion. Once the notice is served, owners will be allotted a ten‑day window to either obtain the requisite approvals or dismantle the structures.Failure to comply within the prescribed period will trigger the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against the responsible parties..

The FIRs will allege violations of the advertisement rules and, where applicable, offences under the Indian Penal Code for endangering public safety. The municipal commissioner, who spoke at the press briefing, stressed that the enforcement action will not be limited to large commercial entities alone; small shop owners, private individuals and even informal vendors who have affixed makeshift signboards without permission will be subject to the same legal scrutiny. “The law is clear – any advertisement that is not sanctioned by the appropriate authority is illegal, irrespective of the size of the business or the medium used,” he said.Local businesses have expressed a mixture of concern and acceptance regarding the crackdown..

The Kozhikode Chamber of Commerce issued a statement acknowledging the need for a cleaner urban environment but urged the municipal authorities to provide a streamlined, online mechanism for obtaining advertising permits. “Many of our members rely on temporary hoardings for seasonal promotions, and the current process is cumbersome and time‑consuming,” the statement read. “We request the corporation to consider an expedited digital portal that can reduce bureaucratic delays while ensuring compliance.” The chamber also warned that the sudden removal of boards could adversely affect the revenues of small retailers who depend on visual advertising to attract footfall in a highly competitive market.Residents’ groups, on the other hand, have welcomed the move as a long‑overdue step towards restoring the aesthetic appeal of Kozhikode’s historic streets..

The “Clean Kozhikode” campaign, led by a coalition of neighborhood associations, has been campaigning for stricter enforcement since 2021, citing examples of boards that overhang sidewalks, block pedestrian pathways and obscure heritage signage. “Our streets are suffocating under a sea of plaster, neon and plastic,” said Anjali Menon, a senior member of the campaign. “These illegal boards not only diminish the city’s charm but also create dangerous blind spots for motorists and pedestrians alike.” She added that the campaign will monitor the implementation of the new order and document any instances of non‑compliance for public reporting.Traffic safety experts have also highlighted the risks associated with unauthorised advertisements..

A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Road Safety, which examined accident data from several Indian metros, found a direct correlation between the density of illegal hoardings and the incidence of vehicular collisions at intersections. The report warned that boards placed too close to roadways can distract drivers, reduce sightlines and, in extreme cases, collapse during high winds or seismic activity, causing injuries and fatalities. “The Kozhikode municipality’s decisive action could serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges,” noted Dr..

Ravi Kumar, the study’s lead author.The enforcement strategy includes a phased approach to avoid a chaotic removal process. On the first day after the deadline, the task force will target high‑visibility locations such as major junctions, arterial roads and tourist hotspots. Subsequent days will see crews focusing on residential lanes and market areas..

The municipal corporation has allocated a budget of ₹2.5 crore for the operation, covering manpower, equipment and the safe demolition of large structures. In addition, a public helpline has been set up to allow citizens to report persisting illegal boards, with assurances that each complaint will be logged and acted upon within 48 hours.Legal analysts have pointed out that the issuance of FIRs represents a significant escalation in the city’s regulatory posture. While previous attempts to curb illegal advertising largely relied on notice and warning letters, the current approach leverages the criminal justice system to enforce compliance..

“The filing of an FIR means that the matter will be investigated by the police, and the accused could face arrest, bail conditions and potential prosecution,” explained Advocate Suresh Pillai, who specialises in municipal law. “It also serves as a deterrent, signalling that the authorities are prepared to pursue the matter to the fullest legal extent.” However, Pillai cautioned that due process must be observed, and that owners should be afforded an opportunity to present evidence of prior permission or to contest the allegations before a court.As the fifteen‑day countdown begins, city officials remain confident that the combined effort of municipal workers, law‑enforcement agencies and community participation will yield a noticeable reduction in the number of illegal advertisements. “We are committed to restoring Kozhikode’s streets to a state that reflects both its cultural heritage and modern aspirations,” the Deputy Mayor affirmed..

“A cleaner, safer urban environment benefits everyone – from commuters and shoppers to the businesses that call this city home.” The upcoming weeks will test the effectiveness of the directive, with the eyes of both residents and the broader state watching closely to see whether Kozhikode can indeed set a precedent for responsible urban advertising management..