Mumbai: ‘Set illuminance limit for digital hoardings,' recommends Awaaz Foundation

The Awaaz Foundation an NGO has raised objections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporationrsquos Draft Policy Guidelines for Outdoor Advertisements 2024 It called for a stronger draft policy which includes setting an illuminance limit for digital hoardings making reports and recommendations of the BMCappointed committee public and ensuring regular monitoring of the sameThe group has also urged the BMC to conduct a public hearing on the matterThe Awaaz Foundation argues that the policy lacks a scientific basis for its provisions on light pollutionmdasha concern it believes could negatively impact human health and increase road safety risks The group has suggested that the policy should address crucial factors such as climate health and safety and has requested additional public and expert consultationsLED hoarding on the Vashi HighwaySayyed Sameer AbediThe draft policy aims to regulate various forms of outdoor advertising including digital and lighted signs across private and public sectors However the Awaaz Foundation highlighted the absence of scientific study on the policyrsquos potential impacts on light pollution which could have farreaching effects on both human health and road safetyThe BMC had called for public suggestions and objections regarding the draft policy with the deadline set for 5 pm on August 26Alleged omissionsIn its submission to the BMC the foundation argued that the proposed guidelines lack sufficient restrictions on illumination levels colour scales and the use of video displays These omissions it claimed could exacerbate light pollution known to disrupt sleep patterns increase stress and even heighten risks of road accidents due to glare affecting driversrsquo concentrationThe advocacy group has called for a personal hearing and a public consultation to allow affected citizens to present detailed submissions It has also requested an extension of the deadline for public comments to ensure thorough community engagement and expert reviewThe foundation urged the BMC to incorporate international practices like setting maximum illumination limits and restricting animated content on digital displays The policy it suggested should also include adaptive brightness controls to mitigate light pollution and define specific zones where advertising is permissible taking into consideration residentsrsquo feedbackldquoIn most countries city lighting is regulated particularly in residential areas and on motorable roads The lighted billboards of the Ginza in Tokyo and the Times Square of New York are restricted to commercial areas Even New York City famous for its bright billboards and nightlife has recognised the harmful impacts of light pollution and in 2021 passed laws against it by restricting all nonessential lighting during nighttime hours In NYC stricter laws are also under reviewrdquo stated the letter by Awaaz FoundationSumaira Abdulali File PhotoThe group emphasised the importance of aligning the policy with broader governmental objectives of enhancing public welfare and environmental protectionHealth impactThe letter further stated ldquoHumans follow regular sleep patterns of day and night due to regulation of hormones especially melatonin which promotes sleep in the absence of light Similar to noise pollution the adverse effects of light pollution include lack of sleep disturbance of sleep patterns irritation stress eye strain and other serious health issues Certain colours on the spectrum are even more comparatively harmful than others in particular blue light which makes up onethird of all visible light and which can even cause eye cancerrdquoldquoLight pollution apart from detrimental impacts on road safety and human health is also detrimental to the environment biodiversity and wildlife For example certain types of plants do not flourish if regular daynight patterns of light are disrupted Birds and animals are disturbed by excessive lighting Indian National Parks recognise the adverse effects of light pollution on wildlife at night lights from vehicles and all other forms of light are strictly regulated in National Parksrdquo it readThe letter further read ldquoThe stated aim of the draft policy is to offer worldclass advertising tools and services in the outdoor mediarsquo In accordance with this aim and with other aims of the Maharashtra government the Awaaz Foundation requests the draft policy be accountable to the adverse effects on safety health and the environment of unrestricted light pollution Therefore we request that the BMC incorporate guidelines similar to many global citiesrdquoScientific panelSumaira Abdulali founder and convenor of Awaaz Foundation told midday ldquoWe proposed the formation of a scientific committee to address this issue However we have learned that such a committee already exists We demanded that their recommendations or reports if submitted be made public Weve also heard that the committee includes three experts from IIT which is commendable However its crucial that the committee also include representatives from the public NGOs and medical professionals If such a committee is already in place the BMC should disclose its detailsrdquoIn 2017 Abdulali raised concerns about harshly coloured LED lights installed at Juhu beachShe pointed out ldquoUnlike air noise and water pollution people often do not consider light pollution a significant issue or an issue at all Sadly there are no existing laws or guidelines to regulate light pollution Light pollution can be distracting for drivers and motorists and disrupt peoplersquos sleep patterns Hence the civic body needs to include stringent regulations pertaining to the same and also set a maximum illuminance limit for digital hoardingsrdquoThe BMC has yet to respond to the foundationrsquos requestsBMCs Draft Policy on Outdoor AdvertisementsThe policy updating guidelines from 2008 The revision was prompted by the billboard collapse in Pant Nagar Ghatkopar on May 13 leading to 17 fatalitiesKey guidelinesGeneral provisions The policy addresses both traditional and digital outdoor advertising updating terms for previously approved billboardsSafety and aesthetics The main objectives are to enhance safety minimise visual clutter and maintain the aesthetic integrity of the cityDigital advertisements Digital billboards will have a minimum static image display time of eight seconds The use of video on digital billboards and gantries is prohibitedContent restrictions Content deemed offensive obscene or distracting is banned under Sections 328 amp 328A of the MMC Act 1888Additional policy detailsStructural stability Implementation of a standard operating procedure to ensure the structural integrity of hoardingsRenewal of permit Permits must be renewed at least three months before expirationProximity restrictions Billboards are not to be erected near hightension power linesPolitical advertising Specific provisions are included for political advertising during election periods adhering to the established electoral code of conductDigital advertising opportunities Digital LED advertising is permitted for malls multiplexes and commercial buildingsRequired approvals A noobjection certificate from the joint commissioner of police traffic is mandatory for illuminated or digital billboardsEnforcement Frequent violations or failure to pay fees can lead to advertisers or permit holders being blacklistedBMC premises advertising Advertising opportunities on BMC premises will be managed through etenderingPublic utilities Advertising is allowed in exchange for the operation and maintenance of public utilitiesFinancial guarantee A bank guarantee equivalent to six months of license fees is required from advertisersImpact of light pollution on the ecosystemScientists worldwide say that peoplersquos sleep could be impaired as a result of artificial lights which could be detrimental to human health and wellbeingLight pollution directly contributes to the decline of many insect species As per Buglife The Invertebrate Conservation Trust a Europebased organisation dedicated to conservation education and policy change to protect insects artificial light affects mating feeding navigation and developmentAccording to DarkSky International a group of 2000 volunteer advocates around the world light pollution affects migratory birds by disrupting their natural movement patterns or causing them to mate too early leading to declining populations Artificial light can cause nocturnal birds to wander off course2021Year law was passed against nonessential lighting at night in New YorklsquoLight pollution can be distracting for drivers and motorists and disrupt peoplersquos sleep patterns Hence the civic body needs to include stringent regulations pertaining to the same and also set a maximum illuminance limit for digital hoardingsrsquoSumaira Abdulali founder and convenor Awaaz Foundation