ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS OF UNAUTHORIZED BANNERS AND HOARDINGS IN INDIA: EXPLORING RISKS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract This study investigates the extensive use of instituting the hoardings, banners and flyers for self- glorification and personal publicity in India. This practice was initially used in metropolitan cities, but now a days it stretches to smaller towns and semi-urban regions. This study critically examines the environmental, public health and economic issues of this widely adopted trend, by putting emphasis on the materials used in these displays, their role in enhancing pollution, and their categorization as public nuisances. Special attention is given to the rising prevalence of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and synthetic polymers, their detrimental effects on air quality—especially through the release of hazardous dioxins, and the regulatory void that has allowed this issue to persist unchecked. The paper proposed a set of policy recommendations and advocates for stringent measures to reduce the environmental risks posed due to unregulated advertising practices.