On November 21, 2024, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) released the Draft Gandhinagar Outdoor Advertisement Policy 2024.
The policy aims to regulate outdoor advertisements within the city, ensuring that they contribute positively to the aesthetic, safety, and environmental standards of Gandhinagar.
The draft outlines clear guidelines for the placement and design of advertisements, addressing safety concerns and preserving the visual appeal of public spaces.
Key Objectives of the Policy
The Gandhinagar Outdoor Advertisement Policy 2024 has been prepared with several key objectives in mind:
- Improving Traffic Safety: The policy aims to reduce hazards and improve traffic flow by regulating the placement of advertisement hoardings and displays.
- Preserving the City’s Aesthetic: The policy seeks to preserve the natural beauty of Gandhinagar while preventing visual clutter caused by poorly designed or inappropriate advertisements.
- Enhancing Public Spaces: It focuses on maintaining clean and tidy public spaces by controlling the use of spaces for advertisements and promotions.
- Promoting Sustainability: The policy encourages reducing the carbon footprint by regulating how advertisements are displayed and ensuring that they don’t negatively impact the environment.
- Revenue Generation for GMC: The policy is also designed to create new opportunities for revenue generation for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation.
Applicability of the Policy
The guidelines set forth in this policy apply to all outdoor advertisements within the limits of Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation. This includes any form of advertisement that is visible to the public, whether moving or non-moving, such as:
- Hoardings (illuminated and non-illuminated)
- Balloons
- Banners
- Direction Boards
- Foot Over Bridges
- Gantry Signs
- Traffic Booths
- Mobile Vans
- Passenger Shelters
- Temporary Arches
- Posters
- Signs
- Video Display Boards (including neon signs, electronic signboards, etc.)
In essence, the policy applies to all forms of advertisements on various structures such as buildings, land holdings, frames, posts, kiosks, and more, provided they are visible from public streets or public places.
Categories of Advertisements Covered Under the Policy
The policy defines several categories of advertisements that will be regulated, including:
- Advertisements on GMC properties.
- Advertisements on private properties/places.
- Kiosks on electric poles.
- Advertisements on Gantries.
- Advertisements on pay and use toilets.
- Advertisements on traffic booths.
- Advertisements on vehicles (both motorized and non-motorized).
- Floating Balloons.
- Advertisements on bus passenger shelters.
- Advertisements on foot over bridges, flyovers, and bridges.
- Temporary advertisements/displays.
- Self-signage displays.
- Any other modes of advertisement as defined in the Act, and as determined by the municipal authorities from time to time.
Conclusion
The Draft Gandhinagar Outdoor Advertisement Policy 2024 aims to balance the need for advertisements with the city’s broader goals of public safety, environmental sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. By regulating the design, placement, and size of advertisements, the GMC seeks to ensure that advertisements contribute to the city’s visual appeal without compromising road safety or creating visual clutter.
The policy will also help the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation generate revenue while maintaining the character of the city. Businesses and advertisers should familiarize themselves with the guidelines to ensure compliance once the policy is finalized.
