Over 29,585 flex banners and 26 unauthorised advertisement panels have been pulled down by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

The banners and hoardings featured political parties and party leaders, cutouts, birthday wishes, welcome greetings to political leaders for Lok Sabha elections among others.
As many as 21,000 flex banners were removed in West zone; 4,000 in Rajarajeshwari Nagar zone; 1,850 in East zone;  1,021 in Mahadevapura; 800 in Yelahanka; 750 in Bommanahalli and 164 in South zone.

Officials said 75 per cent of advertisements were carrying images of various political parties, their symbols and pictures of leaders.

BBMP advertising department manager Lakshmi M said they have slapped fine of Rs 2 lakh against advertisers in West zone and Rs 7.50 lakh against advertisers in South zone.

One lakh fine collected

The Palike has collected a fine of Rs one lakh from the advertisers. “Apart from political parties, advertisers who have put up illegal hoardings are under our scanner and are being fined,” the officer added.

The BBMP will continue the drive until elections are over. The civic agency has appointed returning officers and assistant returning officers to facilitate single-window clearances to put up hoardings, use of vehicles and taking out processions.