KMC bans outdoor advertising to maintain the beauty of the city

Published On: April 30, 2023 10:00 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 29: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has requested the agencies concerned not to advertise outside in any location within their area to maintain the beauty of the city and to provide safety to the general public.

KMC has said that outdoor advertising should not be placed in any place such as roads or public places, electricity and telephone poles. Bashanta Acharya, information officer of KMC, said that there is a provision in this regard in the 'KMC's Outdoor Advertising Regulation Guideline-2079' published in the local gazette on April 13.

According to Acharya, the directory contains provisions such as prohibition of advertising, inadmissible subjects, prohibited areas, advertisement board, identification board formation of regulatory committee, etc.

It also includes the work, duties and rights of the regulatory committee, regulations related to advertising tax, regulations related to transfer, operation of advertising welfare fund, cancellation of advertisements, promotion of environment-friendly advertisements, incentives etc.

There is a provision for fine up to Rs 100,000 if advertising is placed in a prohibited place contrary to the guidelines. Construction of doors and stalls, putting stickers, wall painting, placing posters and pamphlets, leaflet distribution, banner hanging at any place will not be allowed for the purpose of advertising within Kathmandu area.

Advertisements that are contrary to the federal and state laws, religious, cultural, archeological, historical sites, original structures listed in the world heritage area or have an adverse effect on culture cannot be advertised.

Hoarding boards cannot be placed in areas of archaeological importance, administrative areas, heritage areas, diplomatic areas and within 100 meters thereof.

Items, substances and services that are forbidden to be used in advertising, services, structures and contents that are against the local laws of the metropolis are among the topics that are not allowed to be advertised. Subjects considered obscene by law, spreading confusion and distortion in society, encouraging superstition, medicine that must be sold and distributed only on the recommendation of a doctor cannot be advertised.