In order to check mushrooming of hoardings and billboards in cities, the UP government has decided to include, in the agreement letter at the time of giving permission for hoardings and billboards, the condition of getting deposited 10 percent of the annual advertisement tax by way of ’security amount’ in addition to the prescribed premium and whole amount of advertisement tax from the licensee.
According to a government order (G.O.) issued by the Principal Secretary, Urban Development, Mr. Pravir Kumar, in this regard, it has been stated that in case of any damaged caused by the hoardings/billboards, the cost of the these damages shall be realised from the security amount deposited by the concerning advertiser, otherwise the whole security money shall be refunded to him.
According to the G.O., the mushrooming of hoardings and billboards is deforming the face of cities on the one hand, and on the other it is also disturbing traffic movement and causing accidents. The pollution causing materials used in these hoardings are also vitiating the atmosphere, it added.
The government has also directed the concerning authorities to take action under the provisions of various relevant laws against those advertisers against whom the amount of advertisement tax is outstanding.

सुरेन्द्र अग्निहोत्री
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