Crackdown ordered on illegal wall chalking, banners in AJK capital

MUZAFFARABAD: The administration in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has ordered a strict operation against wall chalking, illegal banners, hoardings and unauthorised advertising across Muzaffarabad Division, in what officials described as a response to a longstanding public demand.

According to an official handout, Divisional Commissioner Badar Munir directed the deputy commissioners of Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley and Jhelum Valley to ensure the immediate removal of all illegal banners, posters and wall chalking in order to protect the cleanliness and appearance of urban areas.

Law to be enforced across division

The directive reminded relevant departments that the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prohibition of Wall Chalking and Affixing Hoarding Act, 2001, makes it a punishable offence to display advertisements or carry out wall chalking on public or private property without permission.

It further stated that no individual, organisation, institution or political party was allowed to engage in wall chalking or painting at any public or private place in violation of the law. Under the law, violators may face imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of Rs20,000.

The directive also said that the expenses incurred in removing illegal wall chalking or hoardings would be recovered from those found responsible. The commissioner instructed all departments concerned to ensure strict implementation of the law.

Beautification drive already under way

Two months ago, Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore had ordered a broad beautification and civic improvement campaign in Muzaffarabad and other urban centres of the state. Following those instructions, civic authorities began facelift efforts in the capital and other areas.

These measures included turning dusty roadside stretches into grassy strips and decorating medians with seasonal flowers and ornamental plants. Monuments at major roundabouts were also being renovated, while bridges and public walls were being whitewashed and painted as part of efforts to give cities a cleaner and more festive look.

Despite repeated warnings from authorities in the past, however, illegal wall chalking and unauthorised banners have continued to reappear in towns and bazaars. This has largely happened because those responsible have rarely faced effective punitive action.

Mr Munir said no one would be permitted to deface public or private property at a time when significant public funds were being spent on improving the appearance of cities and towns.

He warned that action would be taken without exception against those violating the law. “Strict legal action will be taken against all violators without discrimination, and no political, religious or commercial group will be allowed to damage the beauty of our cities through illegal displays and wall chalking,” he said.

The latest directive covers all three districts of Muzaffarabad Division and places responsibility on district administrations and relevant departments to remove unlawful displays and prevent their return.