The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has directed Ganpati and Navratri mandals, advertisers and other stakeholders to ensure that commercial advertisements do not obstruct roads or footpaths during the upcoming festival season in Mumbai.
BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide issued the instruction as thousands of devotees are expected to take to the streets for Ganeshotsav, which begins on Monday. The civic administration said advertisements displayed on roads and pavements must not interfere with pedestrian movement or vehicular traffic.
The directive is part of the BMC’s “Pedestrian First” campaign, under which the civic body is introducing measures to improve walking conditions across the city. During the first phase, selected footpaths have been identified, with ward-level officials instructed to ensure that these stretches remain free of encroachments.
Under the advertising rules communicated to mandals, donor advertisements may be placed on the left and right vertical sections of a traditional mandal entrance gate. The upper horizontal section can carry a message welcoming devotees. Mandals have also been permitted to install digital screens measuring up to 10 feet by 10 feet for public-interest messages, health-related information and commercial advertisements.
The installation and operation of such digital screens will require no-objection certificates from both the traffic police department and the local police station. The BMC has also asked mandals to avoid advertisements for gutka, tobacco products and other prohibited products.
The civic administration has directed ward-level officials and the licensing department to monitor compliance and remove advertisement boards that obstruct pedestrian movement. The rules will remain applicable during the festivals and after immersion activities.
Mandals have been asked to remove advertisement boards themselves by the day after immersion. The BMC has appealed to organisers to conduct commercial advertising in a disciplined manner while preserving the religious and social character of the celebrations.
