Chennai, June 22:
The Greater Chennai Corporation has intensified its enforcement drive against illegal outdoor advertisements by removing 16 unauthorized hoardings across Chennai and collecting ₹2.10 lakh in fines from violators.
Under the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023, individuals and businesses are required to obtain prior approval before installing advertisement hoardings within city limits. The approval process is facilitated online through the Corporation’s portal, where applications are reviewed by a single-window committee before permission is granted.
Officials stated that a penalty of ₹25,000 is imposed for unauthorized hoardings, while repeated violations can attract fines of up to ₹1 lakh. During inspections carried out on June 19 and 20, authorities identified multiple hoardings installed without proper permission and took immediate action to remove them.
The Corporation has also warned that the cost of removing illegal hoardings will be recovered from offenders, reinforcing its strict stance on compliance. At present, 967 licensed hoardings have been officially approved across the city.
As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain urban safety and order, the civic body has urged residents to report unauthorized advertisements through its helpline 1913. Officials confirmed that such enforcement drives will continue across Chennai to ensure adherence to regulations and prevent illegal structures.