HYDERABAD: Reacting to a report published in these columns that brought to light the existence of at least four unfinished bus-stop constructions in the Miyapur-Kukatpally stretch which were flouting norms and doubling up as display space for ads, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has begun issuing notices to the ad agencies responsible for the malpractice.
As per the tender documents, contractors are permitted to allow display of advertisement boards only after proper completion of the bus-stops which include setting up proper seating, lighting, dustbin, flooring and roofing. Once finished, the GHMC issues a project completion certificate with provisions for display of ads for a period of five years.
GHMC Additional Commissioner Dhananjaya Reddy admitted that notices were being served, and promised to give further information regarding the same within a day or two. P Ramakrishna, an activist who has been keenly following the developments, said that apart from issuing notices, the GHMC has also requested citizens to bring to its notice other improper bus-stops with information regarding location or with a picture of the same.
“An explanation will be sought from the ad agencies and as per the tender documents they will be fined `5000 for not adhering to norms prescribed”, said Ramakrishna.
The four bus-stops in question are located at Allwyn Cross Roads, Bogaram, Hydernagar and JNTU.