The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : Ensure structural stability of hoardings, says EB

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 14, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Ensure structural stability of hoardings, says EB

Special Correspondent

Warning issued to advertisers

CURRENT THREAT: High tension power lines running close to hoardings in Tiruchi. — Photo: M. Moorthy.

TIRUCHI: Taking cognisance of the threat posed by huge advertisement hoardings jutting out from vantage spots in the city, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has issued a warning to advertisers asking them to ensure the structural stability and safety of huge structures.

The indiscriminate spurt of hoardings in various parts of the city is turning to be a matter of concern for the TNEB authorities as many of them are installed close to overhead high tension power lines.

The structural stability of these glossy and often powerfully lit exhibits, erected at a considerable height atop steel structures, has been brought to the notice of the Tiruchi Corporation at a council meeting held some time back.

Lack of follow-up action

The Mayor, Sarubala R. Tondaiman, had at that time promised to crack down on "unauthorised hoardings" and a few hoardings were pulled down too. However, lack of follow-up action had resulted in several new hoardings sprouting in the city.

The massive structures supported by tonnes of steel are put up in private and public spaces, with even several government organisations finding it lucrative to lease out their space. Some of these hoardings are installed atop multi-storeyed buildings with hi-powered lights, especially at traffic junctions to catch the eye of road users.

Though the hoardings have to be installed only after obtaining due permission and licence from the civic body and district authorities, it is said that a majority of them are put up without valid licences.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued in public interest recently, the TNEB said that it has come to notice that a majority of hoardings and banners were installed without obtaining proper permission.

Advertisers must get clearance from the TNEB inspectors for any extension of power lines (for lighting up the hoardings) beyond a height of 15 metres, it was pointed out.

Further, the heavy structures could collapse during the windy season and cause heavy damage and power outings. Advertisers and advertising agencies would be held responsible for any accidents or damages caused to power lines because of the hoardings. They would be liable to stern action and penalties, the TNEB authorities said, and appealed to the advertisers to check the structural safety of the hoardings frequently and remove all unsafe structures.

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