Bhubaneswar: If everything goes as per the plan, the cluttered signage of various establishments in the Old Town area would get a harmonious look as the 136th meeting of Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has given its nod to a draft plan in this regard.
The Heritage Signage Guidelines will be submitted to the state government for the final approval following which the building signs, which may tarnish the architectural character of the building and the city, shall be removed.
The building signage (both residential and commercial) shall not be painted on the original face of the laterite wall, brick wall, sandstone, terracotta and tiling or any other surface that is built with traditional knowledge and technology.
The signage of individual shops located within the heritage precinct need to be in harmony with the existing historic facade and not pose damage to the original architectural signature and flow of the precinct.
The ATMs are also no exception. The name and logo of the bank concerned would be written inside the interior surface of the glazed area for recognition by visitors. The signboard above the ATM would follow the design criteria as prescribed for all other shops.
The purpose of the signage guidelines is to present a view of the heritage area where the colour, text, font, material and scale of signage should be sensitive to the architectural designs. The principles behind the signage, on the other hand, would focus on scale, placement, safety, clutter, context, material, colour and workmanship.
Consistency in placement of signs between neighbouring buildings, which have a common architectural style whether traditional or contemporary, is encouraged.
Any new signage needs prior approval of the authority.
When asked about punishment for any violation, an official of BDA said if any organisation or individual is found to have violated the provisions, it is punishable as unauthorised development. In case of proven neglect of the heritage building or precinct or any damage caused to the structure or it is destroyed due to neglect, in addition to penal action proposed by BDA, no development permission to construct any new building shall be granted on the site, he added.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has initiated the process to install a set of 521 route signage in Old Town area that incorporates the Kalingan style of temple architecture. The information on the signage will be in Oriya, Hindi and English and would cost the state administration Rs 2.75 crore.
PNN
