In a bid to curb the menace of unauthorized hoardings cluttering the cityscape, Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation has rolled out a streamlined computerized system for managing billboards. The innovative solution involves affixing Quick Response Codes (QR) to every advertisement board, providing a digital trace for monitoring and verification. The move comes as a response to the persistent issue of illegal billboards sprouting across various locations in the city, marring its aesthetics and contributing to a decline in municipal tax revenue.
Despite efforts to collect advertisement taxes from authorized billboard placements, the municipality faces challenges posed by rogue advertisers who continue to erect billboards without proper permissions. In some instances, municipal permissions are granted for erecting advertisement boards, but the absence of essential details, such as the incoming and outgoing entries of the records, makes it difficult to ascertain the legitimacy of the advertisement. This regulatory gap not only compromises revenue but also poses safety concerns, as some individuals take advantage of the lax oversight to install billboards in precarious locations, increasing the risk of accidents.
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive advertising policy to address these challenges, the Bombay High Court issued a directive prompting Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation to take decisive action. In adherence to the court’s order, the municipality has enlisted the services of a private firm to develop a QR code system and a computerized billboard management platform. This initiative aims to provide the public with transparent information about the authorization status of billboards, helping mitigate the issue of unauthorized placements.
The municipality disclosed that approximately nine and a half lakh rupees will be invested in the development and maintenance of this advanced system. By implementing this technological solution, the municipality anticipates gaining greater control over the placement of advertisements, effectively curbing the illegal proliferation of billboards.
Online Facilities Enhance Efficiency
With the introduction of the computerized advertisement board management system, QR codes will now become a standard feature on all authorized billboards. Additionally, the municipality plans to integrate an online payment gateway, simplifying the process of remitting advertisement taxes. This digital transformation will extend to the daily operations of the advertisement department, including the application for permissions, QR code generation during the authorization process, and seamless payment processing for advertisement fees and other associated charges.
The Information and Technology Department of the municipality has assured that the implementation of this comprehensive system is imminent, marking a significant step towards efficient and transparent advertisement management in Vasai-Virar.
Perils of Dangerous Planking Persist
In the bustling city of Vasai-Virar, the unauthorized display of advertisements from various organizations, political party hoardings, and birthday announcements remains a persistent issue. These unauthorized plaques often linger for extended periods, even after the events they publicize have concluded. Many of these precarious displays adorn roadsides and divider poles, posing a potential threat to public safety.
Citizens, concerned about the risks posed by these unauthorized billboards, have voiced their demands for decisive action. The potential hazards associated with these dangerous placements include the obstruction of visibility, leading to an increased likelihood of accidents. The need for the municipal authorities to address these issues becomes even more pressing in light of the ongoing efforts to implement the QR code system, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to advertisement management.
As the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation takes strides towards a technologically driven solution to tackle unauthorized advertising, citizens and businesses alike are hopeful that this initiative will not only enhance revenue collection but also contribute to a safer and aesthetically pleasing urban environment. The imminent implementation of the QR code system reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, signaling a positive shift in the regulation and management of advertisements in Vasai-Virar.
