Risky Hoarding Boards

### The Case Against Hoarding Boards: A Call for Legislative Action

The tragic incident in Mumbai, where a hoarding board 100 feet tall fell during heavy winds and rains, resulting in the death of 14 people, underscores the urgent need to reassess the use of such structures. These hoardings, often found in urban areas and alongside national highways in India, primarily serve as advertisements for jewelry, motorbikes, cars, real estate, shopping malls, and hotels. However, their potential hazards far outweigh their advertising benefits, especially when alternative, safer avenues for advertisements are readily available.

Hoarding boards pose significant risks, particularly in adverse weather conditions. In Mumbai's case, the combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall led to a catastrophic failure of the structure, highlighting their vulnerability. This incident is not isolated; similar accidents have occurred in the past, causing injuries and fatalities. The physical presence of these massive structures in densely populated areas and along busy highways makes their failure particularly perilous, as falling boards can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

In addition to safety concerns, hoarding boards often contribute to visual pollution. They can clutter the skyline, distract drivers, and detract from the aesthetic appeal of urban and rural landscapes. In highly developed countries, stringent regulations either prohibit such hoardings or strictly control their placement and construction. This approach not only enhances public safety but also preserves the visual integrity of cities and natural environments.

The availability of alternative advertising mediums further weakens the case for hoarding boards. Digital marketing, social media, television, radio, and print media offer diverse and effective platforms for advertisers. These mediums do not pose physical risks and can reach broader and more targeted audiences. Moreover, technological advancements in digital billboards, which are safer and more environmentally friendly, present viable replacements for traditional hoardings.

Given the clear dangers and the availability of safer advertising alternatives, it is imperative that Indian lawmakers consider enacting legislation to ban or significantly restrict the use of hoarding boards. Such a ban would prioritize public safety, reduce visual clutter, and align India with global standards in urban planning and advertising practices. The tragic deaths in Mumbai should serve as a catalyst for change, prompting a reevaluation of advertising methods to prevent further loss of life and ensure a safer, more visually appealing environment for all.

Popular posts from this blog

M T Vasudevan Nair

My entry into the world of Malayalam literature was through the masterful writings of M. T. Vasudevan Nair, whose passing today feels like a deeply personal loss. It was his novel Manju (Mist) that first drew me into this literary universe. The story, much like its title, was enveloped in an atmosphere of melancholy and mystery. It unraveled slowly, like mist clearing in the morning light, revealing truths that were profound yet heartbreakingly simple. The characters, their struggles, and their silences lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page. It was not just a novel; it was an experience. I returned to it over and over, each time discovering something new, as though the book was speaking directly to the depths of my soul. To this day, I cannot count how many times I have read Manju—it became, and remains, a companion to my thoughts. After Manju opened the door, M. T.’s other works beckoned me forward. I was soon engrossed in Nalukettu, a story that painted a vivid portra...
Read more

The concept of ghost writing

  Ghostwriting in the industry 1. _Common practice_: Ghostwriting is a common practice in the publishing industry, where a person hires a writer to create content on their behalf. 2. _Celebrity autobiographies_: Many celebrity autobiographies are written by ghostwriters, who work closely with the celebrity to capture their voice and story. 3. _Thought leaders and influencers_: Thought leaders and influencers often hire ghostwriters to help them create high-quality content, such as books, articles, and blog posts. Benefits of hiring a ghostwriter 1. _Time-saving_: Hiring a ghostwriter saves the vlogger time and effort, allowing them to focus on their core activities, such as creating content for their YouTube channel. 2. _Quality content_: A ghostwriter can bring a high level of writing expertise, ensuring that the content is engaging, well-researched, and polished. 3. _Consistency_: A ghostwriter can help maintain a consistent tone, style, and voice throughout the book, which is es...
Read more

Elephant Migration

** The Escalating Conflict Between Humans and Elephants: An Analysis of the Impact of Climate Change** The increasing incidences of elephants encroaching into human settlements in search of water and food present a vivid manifestation of the broader environmental crisis fuelled by climate change. This essay explores the complexities of this escalating conflict, which not only threatens the survival of the majestic Asian and African elephant species but also poses significant risks to human communities. The fundamental issue at the heart of this conflict is habitat loss, driven largely by climatic fluctuations and exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation and the expansion of agricultural and urban areas. As natural forests dwindle and water sources dry up, elephants, which are known for their large home ranges and dependency on vast quantities of water, are forced to venture into human-dominated areas. This migration is driven by a desperate search for the necessities of su...
Read more