Mumbai has taken a decisive step to curb urban hazards by banning hoardings on building terraces and compound walls. The move follows the state government’s approval of recommendations submitted by a judicial committee led by a former Chief Justice, aimed at preventing accidents similar to last year’s Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, which claimed 17 lives and injured over 80 people.
The cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, adopted all 21 recommendations of the Bhosale committee, mandating implementation across the city within a month. The panel had investigated the Ghatkopar incident, where a hoarding exceeding its authorised dimensions collapsed near a petrol station. The report highlighted lapses in structural audits and regulatory oversight, prompting stringent safety measures. Officials stated that key directives include limiting hoarding sizes to 40 feet by 40 feet, prohibiting their installation on terraces or compound walls, and ensuring compliance with location-specific risks, traffic and pedestrian safety, environmental considerations, and accessibility for differently-abled citizens. Regular inspections and the appointment of a dedicated nodal agency for enforcement are also mandated to prevent unauthorised hoardings.
The Ghatkopar hoarding, erected with approval from the Government Railway Police, had two conflicting structural audit reports, exposing regulatory ambiguities. In response, the government has empowered municipal authorities to strictly enforce the new norms, while departments must submit Action Taken Reports within 30 days. A civic official explained that the measures are designed not only to enhance public safety but also to ensure urban aesthetics, reduce visual pollution, and promote sustainable city planning. “This is a step towards building safer and more sustainable cities while adhering to modern urban development standards,” said an official from the urban planning department.
Experts note that Mumbai’s urban landscape has long been vulnerable to poorly regulated advertising structures, especially on terraces and walls of high-rise buildings. With increasing population density and rising pedestrian and vehicular traffic, such measures are crucial to mitigate risks and protect lives. The implementation of the committee’s recommendations aligns with broader objectives of creating zero-net-carbon, gender-neutral, and equitable urban spaces, while also ensuring that the city’s infrastructural regulations are forward-looking and resilient. Officials emphasised that enforcement will be strict, and non-compliance could result in penalties under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.
By institutionalising regular audits, adherence to safety standards, and stricter oversight, Mumbai is setting a precedent for other Indian cities grappling with similar risks. The ban on hoardings on terraces and walls marks a significant step in combining urban safety with sustainable development, ensuring that urban growth does not compromise human life or environmental integrity.
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