The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a directive to railway authorities, calling for a comprehensive structural audit of all 205 billboards situated on land belonging to the Central and Western Railway.
This notice also mandates the immediate removal of 45 billboards that exceed the approved size limits on railway premises. Concurrently, the civic body has intensified its crackdown on illegal billboards across the city.
An official from the BMC reported, “There was an illegal hoarding over a sweet shop opposite Malad railway station. We have gotten rid of it.” This initiative is part of a broader effort by the BMC to address the proliferation of unauthorised billboards that pose safety risks. The BMC has also commenced the removal of billboards at the Ghatkopar railway police quarters, located opposite the petrol pump where a tragic accident occurred on Monday. “These hoardings are huge. It will take more days to remove them,” the official added. The BMC’s licensing department had earlier identified 250 billboards on railway property, of which 45 were found to be in violation of size regulations. The recent directive from the BMC now seeks a structural audit for all billboards that face municipal property and roads, ensuring they comply with safety standards and legal requirements.
The push for a structural audit comes in the wake of increasing concerns about the safety and structural integrity of these billboards, particularly following recent incidents that have highlighted the potential dangers of oversized and improperly maintained hoardings. The BMC’s notice aims to mitigate these risks by enforcing stricter compliance with size and safety regulations. The civic body’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to maintaining urban safety and aesthetics. By targeting illegal and oversized billboards, the BMC aims to prevent accidents and enhance the visual environment of the city. The cooperation of railway authorities in conducting the structural audits and removing non-compliant billboards will be crucial in achieving these objectives.
As the BMC continues to implement these measures, it is expected that the removal of illegal billboards and the structural audits will significantly reduce the risk posed by these large structures. This initiative reflects the ongoing efforts to ensure that public spaces remain safe and free from the hazards posed by unauthorised and unsafe billboards.
“We have issued a notice to the railway authorities to conduct a billboard audit. We have also asked the authorities to remove 45 billboards which are larger than the approved size,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi. An official said, “Civic chief Bhushan Gagrani ordered ward offices to start auditing all billboards in the city. The survey will be completed soon. After that, immediate action will be taken.” Meanwhile, the civic body has started removing illegal billboards at Malad West.
