Bengaluru, 24 April 

In a major move to tackle unauthorised advertising, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), empowering citizens and officers alike.

Under the new directive, control rooms will be established in the offices of Assistant Executive Engineers citywide, enabling the public to report illegal hoardings, banners, and flex boards. These officers are now authorised to oversee removal and lodge FIRs at local police stations against violators.

Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath, announcing the changes on Thursday, confirmed that this SOP replaces the earlier version and aims to restore visual order across Bengaluru. Zonal Commissioners have been instructed to set up BBMP Advertisement Regulation Teams comprising engineers, marshals, home guards, and support staff.

The crackdown is based on Sections 158 and 307 of the BBMP Act, 2020, which ban unlicensed advertising and specify penalties for violations.