Damaged hoardings deface Hubli

HUBLI: While the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) is spending crores of rupees for beautifying the city, damaged hoardings at prominent places remain an eyesore.
Several hoarding boards and banners have been torn due to incessant rain and stormy weather. Damaged hoardings at Bhagat Singh Circle, Old Bus Stand, Ambedkar Circle, KC Circle, Dajibaanpeth, Vidyanagar, and many other areas have defaced the city.There are around 90 hoardings in Hubli and nearly half of them are torn.
Speaking to TOI, Mayur Dodmani, a resident said damaged hoardings at the Bhagat Singh Circle should be removed because they are spoiling the look of the circle. Sumeet Kulkarni, another resident said the authorities are least bothered to remove the torn boards and banners at the KC Circle.
MC Sindhur, social activist, said: "The authorities concerned are in deep slumber. Such defaced hoardings not only spoil the beauty of the city but also divert the attention of motorists at busy junctions. Authorities should crack the whip against the companies and ad agencies for not removing their damaged hoardings. The HDMC should start a drive to remove damaged hoardings after penalizing the respective owners."
Speaking to TOI, HDMC senior market inspector, MN Puttannavar said, "We will soon take necessary action against those who have failed to remove damaged hoardings. We will deploy our staff to come out with a detailed report on such hoardings. We will also serve notice to the owners asking them to remove the defaced hoardings. If they fail to respond, we will file a case against such persons and companies. According to market bylaw, we will impose a fine of 1.5 percent every month on the total rent amount if they fail to remove the hoardings in the given time."