With unregulated billboards and flexible banners posing a risk during high winds and rain, the new rules mandate that ads meet strict safety, content and placement standards to keep streets clutter-free and citizen-friendly. | Photo credit: File Photo
The state government has announced the “Andhra Pradesh Regulation and Control of Display Devices (propagation of products and services) in Urban Local Orities Rules, 2025”, introducing a nationwide reform to streamline outdoor advertising, enhance public safety and improve municipal revenue in all urban local bodies.
The relevant GO (Ms. No. 253) was issued by S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Urban Administration and Development, Uraban, on Tuesday.
The policy represents a major step towards achieving Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of cleaner, investment-ready cities.
For years, urban areas have suffered from unregulated hoarding, flexible banners near sensitive locations, damage to public property and unsafe structures, posing a risk during high winds and rain.
The new rules mandate that ads meet strict safety, content and placement standards to keep streets clutter-free and citizen-friendly.
Imaging facilities larger than 50 square feet now require structural safety certification, annual audits and liability insurance. Gatherings near religious places, hospitals, schools, transport hubs and monuments are prohibited, while offensive and socially harmful content is prohibited.
Individuals and agencies must obtain a license, with each device requiring official authorization and visible traceability details.
City real estate for advertising will be leased through public auctions to raise revenue for civic services. A digital portal for licensing, fee payment and monitoring will be launched within 45 days.
“This is a reform for citizens,” said Mr. Suresh Kumar, declaring that Andhra Pradesh is setting a national model for display regulation.
Published – 02 Dec 2025 20:08 IST
