Kolkata Declares 12 Major Intersections as No-Hoarding Zones to Curb Visual Clutter

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced a landmark decision to prohibit hoardings and outdoor advertisements at 12 major intersections across the city, aiming to reduce visual pollution and preserve urban aesthetics. This directive comes as part of KMC’s broader initiative to create cleaner, more organized cityscapes.

The restriction applies to a 50-metre radius around prominent traffic junctions including Gariahat, Ballygunge Phari, Park Circus Seven Point, Moulali, Rajabazar, Ultadanga, Shyambazar Five Point, Hazra, Exide, Golpark, Taratala, and Rashbehari Crossing. These locations are some of Kolkata’s busiest traffic hubs and are often overwhelmed with billboards and advertisement clutter.

KMC officials emphasized that the move is not just about aesthetics but also public safety and visibility. In addition to these 12 junctions, the civic body plans to extend similar restrictions to several high-value and environmentally sensitive zones such as the Maidan, Park Street, Camac Street, Rabindra Sarobar, Subhas Sarobar, and Biswa Bangla Sarani. The stretch from the airport to Nabanna is also set to be made hoarding-free.

The policy includes stringent limitations near heritage sites, religious structures, and public monuments. Advertisements will not be allowed within 25 metres of heritage buildings, 15 metres of statues or minarets, and 10 metres of temples, mosques, or churches. This is aimed at preserving Kolkata’s cultural and historical integrity.

While the ban targets permanent hoardings, temporary advertising will still be permitted during key festivals such as Durga Puja and Kali Puja. However, these will be allowed only for specific durations—seven days before and after Mahalaya and Bijoya Dashami, and six days around Kali Puja.

Additionally, hoardings must comply with size and placement guidelines: a maximum height of 22 feet, and no obstruction to natural light or public visibility. Bamboo structures on road medians and dividers have also been disallowed.

KMC’s latest measure aligns with its ongoing campaign to phase out unsightly and illegal advertisements, replacing them with controlled, LED-based monopole displays. The initiative reflects a growing focus on sustainable urban development and visually harmonious public spaces.