From the point of view of the tax payer, these hoardings certainly impose a cost. They impinge on the rights of all pedestrians using the pavements where hoardings have mushroomed. They have become a hazard to pedestrians, by forcing them to use the road instead of the pavement, exposing them to the dangers of head and frontal injuries and the risk of hoardings falling on them, during periods of high wind and rain. Finally, hoardings have become an absolute eyesore.

Advertising certainly helps to sell one’s products. Customer loyalty is won through quality, service and the price of the products. However, after seeing five to six hoardings one after another, all the messages are lost in the heap.

Since an appeal to the CMC is unlikely to result in any action, let me appeal to the CEOs of businesses that resort to this type of advertising. Where did your Corporate Social Responsibility disappear to? Advertise if you must in your own premises but don’t desecrate this city by adding more garbage to the pile.