According to the new KMC guidelines, Puja organisers must apply to the civic body’s Advertisement Department for permission to install hoardings, banners and flexes on city roads.
Applications will be accepted from September 20 to 25, between 10 am and 5 pm.
The civic body has said that no Puja-related hoarding, banner or flex can be installed before October 3.
The KMC has also fixed a deadline for removing the temporary advertisements.
All Puja-related hoardings, banners and flexes must be taken down by October 29. The move is aimed at preventing temporary structures and advertisements from remaining on roads after the festival.
The civic body has also fixed a maximum height for temporary bamboo structures used to display advertisements near Puja pandals.
Such structures on roads cannot be higher than 22 feet.
These bamboo structures are commonly installed around major Puja pandals to carry banners and advertisements.
The KMC has directed organisers to ensure that advertisements do not obstruct existing permanent hoardings, street lights or passenger shelters.
Organisers will also have to mention the size of the proposed hoarding or banner while submitting their application for permission.
Approved hoardings will have to clearly display the KMC permission ID, the name of the Puja committee and the advertiser’s name and phone number.
The civic body has warned that legal action may be taken against organisers who violate the prescribed rules.
The KMC’s new guidelines bring the installation, size, location and removal of Puja-related advertisements under a formal permission process.
The rules are being introduced ahead of Durga Puja, when Kolkata sees a significant increase in temporary hoardings, banners and flex displays across the city.
