=> A seminar was organised by SHEHRI-CBE to discuss t
A seminar was organised by SHEHRI-CBE to discuss the issue of billboards and hoardings, its policy making and implementations, at a local hotel on Saturday.
The Head of the Department of Architecture, NED University, Prof. Dr. Noman Ahmed, depicted the scenario that has been created by billboards and hoardings in the city. The issue of billboards has become complicated due to a number of factors that relate to control over land by numerous authorities and agencies, which raises disputes instead of coordination and solutions. Also, one cannot find a connection in the relevant policies and implementation procedures.
The forum highlighted the need to find ways whereby this important aspect of the urban landscape could be legislated, standardised, regulated, and enforced.
“We create either art or noise and for the past few years, our city has been witnessing only visual noise pollution,” remarked Kamran Sani, the Chief Operating Officer, Hawk Advertising.
Talking about client pressure, he said that the clutter of billboards in the city was a result of this since clients are bent upon foisting their demands, by hook or by crook. He also recommended that youth should be involved in this matter because aesthetically they think much better than others.
He highlighted the open violation of the bylaw which says that banners are not allowed at any designated area of the city. However banners can clearly be seen at various points. The policies are clear but implementation is lacking, he argued.
Speaking on how advertisements can enliven the environment, Sani referred to ‘Times Square in New York. The hoardings and signage, he said, has been done in such a manner that it beautified the environment. The use of hoardings can be made worthwhile if they are placed on ugly buildings and other places to hide their ugliness. Graffiti must be banned and strict action should be taken against those who scroll it on the walls.
Ahmed Kapadia, Managing Director, Synergy Advertising (Pvt). Ltd., said that life was all about balance. Anything not balanced either appears ugly or results in danger. He called the outdoor advertising a mafia and that it’s not simple to lash their business. He raised the question as to why the huge structures were still lying scattered all over the city if there are some policies and regulations.
To one’s surprise no one from any of the 19 agencies that claim to own the land of Karachi was present at the occasion to comment. Though City Nazim, Syed Mustafa Kamal had committed to join as the chief guest, he couldn’t make it owing to some urgent meeting, as conveyed by the SHEHRI representative. As far as other agencies are concerned, he said that several attempts were made to contact the cantonment boards but there was no response.
Mohsin Durrani, President, Pakistan Outdoor and Media Advertisers Association tried his best to defend the outdoor industry. He strongly rejected the allegation made by Ahmed Kapadia and said that he would sue him for this statement. He said that CDGK and cantonment boards had separate bylaws and implementation can become easy once the policies were vested in a single authority. He said that those who criticise the outdoor industry actually need to learn its importance.
Highlighting the limitations of the outdoor industry, he said that it only gives a line of action to the members and doesn’t have the power to cancel their licenses in case of any violation of bylaws.
On a suggestion made by another speaker, he said that LADs are not suitable for roads as it distracts one’s attention and can create a chaos in a smooth traffic flow. “Although it is fine if an LAD is placed in a walking zone but that too is risky when the industry have enemies in a sizeable number,” he remarked and said that it can be destroyed easily.
Source: The News
Date:12/9/2007
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