MUMBAI: In the aftermath of the tragic hoarding collapse in Ghatkopar that claimed 17 lives, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued a directive mandating that all hoardings within the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and on railway premises in Mumbai must obtain requisite permissions from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and adhere to established norms.
The directive follows a BMC report indicating that, in April 2022, the civic body had alerted the Government Railway Police (GRP) about the unauthorised hoarding on their land. Despite the BMC’s objections, the GRP maintained that the hoarding, which ultimately collapsed, did not require BMC approval. This discrepancy led to a legal battle, with the Bombay High Court ruling in favour of the Railways, thereby limiting the BMC’s ability to intervene. During a recent meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised the necessity of compliance with BMC regulations, stipulating that hoardings must not exceed the maximum size limit of 40×40 feet. The ill-fated hoarding in Ghatkopar, which measured 120×120 feet, grossly violated these norms. Shinde has also called for the removal of all illegal hoardings across the state and directed the filing of criminal cases against responsible parties.
A senior civic official stated, “With the Chief Minister’s order, BMC norms and permissions are now mandatory for all hoardings, including those on MMRDA and Railways premises. We will ensure strict regulation moving forward.”
Last week, Mumbai’s District Disaster Management Authority instructed the GRP and Railways to dismantle all oversized hoardings on their properties. The BMC has identified 45 such hoardings that require immediate removal.
In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, Shinde also ordered an increase in the number of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and the formation of division-wise teams. Additionally, he urged all civic bodies to establish district-wise disaster response teams to manage the 486 landslide-prone areas across the state. District Collectors have been instructed to be vigilant and to implement permanent safety arrangements for residents in these vulnerable zones. This comprehensive approach highlights the state government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring stringent adherence to regulatory standards in urban planning and infrastructure management.
