HYDERABAD: It is a contradiction that begs the question who is actually in control of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
While the GHMC general body is keen to make the city free of hoardings, officials appear to be doing exactly the opposite __ encouraging erection of hoardings in the twin cities, including at GHMC properties.
The Standing Committee of the GHMC has been consistent in its stand that the civic body should work towards a hoardings-free city and had even adopted resolutions not to extend the lease period for companies that put up hoardings.
In fact, it had also directed officials to remove hoardings upon expiry of the lease period in a phased manner.
But the GHMC officials seem to have other ideas.
A few days ago, the GHMC invited tenders for allotment of space for erection of hoardings, uni-poles, obligatory spans and arches not only at different places but also on foot-over-bridges of municipal sites and locations for a period of three years and asked interested parties and agencies to apply.
The proposed municipal sites and locations for erection of hoardings for display of commercial advertisements are Hussainsagar, Secunderabad, Tank Bund, Khairtabad Flyover (GHMC vehicle parking yard), GHMC Park, Japanese Garden, Road No.
2, Banjara Hills, Azad Market (Moti Market), Esamia Bazar and Koti among others.
The last date for receipt of sealed tenders is February 10 and they will opened the same day.
The successful bidder will have the right to erect hoardings at his own cost strictly adhering to the safety norms for a period of three years with a condition that he should not exhibit advertisements which are obscene or hurt any caste, creed or religious sentiments.
Officials remained tightlipped on the apparent contradiction between the policy and the actual steps being taken by the corporation