In the aftermath of the tragic hoarding collapse incident in Ghatkopar, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has swiftly taken action against the firm responsible for erecting the illegal structure.
The BMC issued a stern notice to the owner of the collapsed hoarding, demanding the removal of all eight unauthorised hoardings in the vicinity and imposing a hefty fine of Rs 6.13 crore. This decisive move comes as part of the BMC’s efforts to uphold regulatory standards and ensure public safety in the city. The firm identified as M/S Ego Media, headquartered in Mulund West, has been held accountable for the illegal hoarding that resulted in the tragic incident. The BMC’s investigation revealed that the hoarding, which exceeded the permissible size limit of 40×40 square feet, had been erected without obtaining any prior permission from the civic body. Furthermore, it was found that the agency failed to secure the necessary approvals from the BMC before installing the hoardings, thus violating municipal regulations.
Notably, the BMC also plans to register a First Information Report (FIR) against both the company responsible for the hoardings and the Government Railway Police (GRP), which granted permission for their installation. Under relevant sections of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, the BMC intends to hold the GRP accountable for its role in permitting the illegal hoardings on land under its jurisdiction. Additionally, the BMC has initiated legal action against the firm for its alleged involvement in the destruction of trees near the hoarding sites. Following a complaint filed by Krishna Lambe from the BMC’s garden department, an FIR was registered against the company for poisoning trees obstructing the view of the hoardings. The BMC’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and preserving green spaces in the city.
As part of its enforcement efforts, the BMC has issued a notice to the ACP (Admin) Railway Police, urging the cancellation of all permissions granted for the hoardings and their immediate removal. The complaint lodged by BMC officials highlighted the indiscriminate chopping or poisoning of at least 41 trees along the Andheri-Jogeshwari Link Road and Eastern Express Highway in Ghatkopar East, raising serious concerns about environmental conservation and urban aesthetics. The BMC’s decisive action against illegal hoardings reflects its dedication to upholding regulatory integrity and ensuring accountability among violators. By cracking down on unauthorised structures and enforcing stringent penalties, the BMC aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and safeguard public welfare.
