Pune: PCMC Takes Action Against Unauthorized Hoardings, Owners Given Two-Day Deadline

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 17th May 2024: Yesterday in Moshi, under the jurisdiction of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), an authorized advertisement hoarding fell. Although no lives were lost, a tempo and some two-wheelers sustained damage. In response, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh held a meeting today with all PCMC officials to address the increasing trend of hoarding accidents.

Just three days before the hoarding collapse in Moshi, a large hoarding fell in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. A similar incident occurred in Kiwale under the PCMC jurisdiction last year, resulting in five fatalities. These incidents typically coincide with heavy rain, storms, and strong winds.

During a meeting convened by the PCMC chief, it was emphasized that owners of unauthorized hoardings must remove them by May 19th (within two days). Failure to do so will result in strict action being taken on the 20th.

The deteriorated, rusted, and weakened structures of hoardings, exacerbated by storms and winds, pose a risk of both loss of life and financial damage. PCMC is implementing various measures to prevent such incidents.

According to Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, the number of hoarding owners in the city is steadily increasing, with many young individuals entering the profession. However, adherence to the rules laid out by the Maharashtra State Government is essential. Owners must be well-versed in these regulations when erecting hoardings to prevent collapses and mitigate harm.

PCMC’s Skysign and License department has mandated that all hoarding holders renew their licenses annually before the start of the new fiscal year. Additionally, a structural audit for all hoardings is deemed necessary. Hoarding holders failing to provide the structural audit report risk having their licenses revoked. Moreover, the structural audit certificate, obtained after inspection by a structural engineer at the hoarding site, must be prominently displayed. It is also mandatory to paint the structure to prevent corrosion and weakening of the advertisement board.

Starting from 20th May, PCMC will conduct inspections across all ward offices to identify and remove unauthorized hoardings. Eviction measures will be enforced, and legal action will be taken against both the board holder and the space owner.

PCMC’s Joint Commissioner, Chandrakant Indwalkar, stated, “PCMC has completed 60% of the hoarding survey. During this fiscal year, 12 unauthorized hoardings were identified. Holders have been instructed to remove them within two days. Failure to comply will result in criminal cases being filed against both the hoarding holder and the property owner. Legal action will also be taken against hoardings exceeding 40 feet in height erected within the city.”

PCMC Commissioner Singh added, “Through the ‘Post a Waste’ initiative, citizens can now report unauthorized hoardings to PCMC. Additionally, new features will be introduced to the Smart Saarthi application by us. Utilizing information and technology, efforts are being made to regulate unauthorized hoardings.”