BMC Grants Two Week Extension For OOH Policy Review

On Monday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) extended the deadline for submitting suggestions by two weeks. The civic body received numerous suggestions and objections including from the Indian Railways which falls under the Union Government’s jurisdiction and opposed the OOH policy.

The Indian Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA) had requested a two-month extension for submitting suggestions. The draft, released by BMC on August 9 was initially open for public input until 5 PM on August 26.

Dr Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) said, “We have extended the deadline to submit the feedback and suggestions. We will conduct a review meeting with stakeholders before finalising the draft.”

Meanwhile, a senior BMC official informed that the role of hoardings installed on premises belonging to central agencies like the Railways will be clarified further. Currently, the Railways have raised objections to the guidelines, arguing that the BMC is a state agency while the Railways fall under the Central Government. Sources indicate that the BMC will also refine the draft by clearly defining the responsibilities for hoardings installed across the city along with safety guidelines. Additionally, the Mumbai Traffic Police have expressed concerns regarding video OOH and flasher lights installed within the city.

“We are very clear that incase of any mishap, the media owner or the permit holder will be held responsible. We do not interact with advertisers. The OOH agency seeks permission to install hoardings and they will be held responsible for any such mishap. That rectification will be made. We have received the objection on those lines as well”. said the senior BMC official.

Stakeholders have requested the BMC to permit video OOH ads and have expressed objections to the decision prohibiting such hoardings. Several stakeholders also met with senior GRP officials in Mumbai to discuss the next steps.