Authorities Ban Posters and Encroachments Around Heritage Statues

In a move to protect the sanctity of statues that celebrate the state’s most revered figures, the Urban Administration and Development Department issued strict directives on August 24, 2026. A circular dated August 19, 2026 obliges every city’s local body to list all statues under its control and assign clear maintenance responsibility.

Statues will now undergo periodic inspections, with cleaning, washing, repainting and polishing conducted as required. The surrounding area must be kept clean at all times.

All forms of waste dumping, unauthorised poster or banner placement, and any commercial advertising around the monuments are expressly prohibited. The order also bans illegal construction activities and unauthorised vehicle parking in the vicinity.

To enhance protection, the order calls for sufficient lighting, sturdy fences and railings. Any damage to platforms, floors, walls, tiles, steps or railings must be repaired promptly, and the overall visual appeal of the site will be maintained through repainting and aesthetic upgrades.

Each monument will feature a descriptive plaque that outlines the achievements of the person it represents. Old or damaged plaques will be swapped out, and enough electric lighting will be installed to keep the statue visible after dark.

On notable dates such as birth anniversaries and death anniversaries, the statues will receive special cleaning, decorative lighting and beautification.

A nodal officer will be appointed in each municipal corporation to supervise these actions, and an annual work‑plan for statue upkeep will become mandatory.

Municipalities must submit a quarterly compliance report, detailing the list of statues, their present condition and maintenance measures, to the regional office director. The directive is effective immediately and seeks to uphold the dignity of historic statues while ensuring their surroundings remain clean, safe and well‑organized.