Hyderabad: BRS MLC Dr. Dasoju Sravan criticised the GO 84 outdoor advertisement policy of the Telangana government, alleging that it would severely damage the outdoor media industry.
He said the decision appeared designed to benefit a few large companies while threatening the livelihoods of thousands working in the sector.
Representatives of the Telangana Outdoor Media Owners Association met Sravan on Saturday and explained the difficulties they faced due to the GO 84 outdoor advertisement order.
According to the MLC, the policy could collapse the outdoor advertising sector in the state.
GO 84 outdoor advertisement policy threatens small agencies
Dasoju Sravan said nearly 400 agencies operate in the outdoor media sector.
He warned that the GO 84 outdoor advertisement policy could destroy these small agencies and benefit only three or four large companies.
According to him, around one lakh workers depend directly on the industry.
He added that nearly five lakh people depend on the sector indirectly for their livelihood.
Sravan also criticised the proposal to cancel nearly 3,000 advertisement displays and billboards.
He said the decision would damage small agencies and reduce government revenue generated from advertisements.
The MLC alleged that the government introduced the GO 84 outdoor advertisement order to favour a few companies close to the ruling leadership.
GO 84 outdoor advertisement row raises environmental concerns
Dasoju Sravan also raised concerns about environmental violations linked to the policy.
He alleged that large LED advertisement boards had been installed near KBR Park.
According to him, the installations violated environmental laws and High Court guidelines.
He said such boards could pose risks to wildlife in the surrounding areas.
The MLC accused the government of attempting to hand over an industry worth hundreds of crores to a small group of companies.
He said the government should revise the GO 84 outdoor advertisement order immediately.
Sravan urged authorities to protect small agencies and the families dependent on the industry.
He warned that affected groups could approach the courts if the government failed to amend the order.