Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to strengthen public safety and regulate outdoor advertising infrastructure, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made third-party insurance compulsory for all hoardings installed within its jurisdiction. The directive was issued on Thursday during a monthly review meeting convened under the instructions of BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana.
The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu and Revenue Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mohanty, along with representatives of affiliated advertising agencies operating in the city.
During the discussion, officials emphasized the need for a well-organized and accountable system for managing hoardings across the BMC area. Agencies will be formally instructed through official communication to submit stability certificates for all existing hoardings. They have also been directed to provide authentic documentation detailing how the structures are being managed, maintained, and secured to prevent accidents.
In view of recent safety concerns, BMC has asked all agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of their respective hoardings and report on their current condition. As part of the new compliance measures, agencies must clearly display their names on any damaged hoardings to ensure accountability.
Making public safety a top priority, the civic body has mandated that every agency obtain third-party insurance coverage for all hoardings installed under their supervision. The move is aimed at safeguarding citizens and mitigating financial liability in case of any untoward incidents.
The BMC has further instructed agencies to take immediate action if flex banners or similar materials tear off and pose a risk to the public. Such materials must be promptly cut down or removed. Additionally, hoardings deemed unsafe or structurally vulnerable must be dismantled wherever necessary in the interest of public safety.
The latest directives signal a stricter regulatory framework for outdoor advertising in Bhubaneswar, with the civic body reiterating its commitment to ensuring both urban order and citizen safety.
