The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set its sights on tackling the issue of illegal hoardings across Mumbai. Official records reveal that out of the multitude of hoardings adorning the cityscape, only a mere 1,000 are legally sanctioned.
The recent tragedy in Ghatkopar, where a hoarding collapse claimed the lives of 14 individuals, has prompted swift action from civic authorities. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani announced that the municipal corporation has initiated measures to dismantle all illegal hoardings and conduct a comprehensive audit of billboards across the city. Underpinning this crackdown is BMC’s adherence to the hoarding policy guidelines laid out in 2008. According to these regulations, hoardings in Mumbai are permitted to have a maximum size of 40 feet by 20 feet. However, the ill-fated hoarding in Ghatkopar egregiously exceeded these parameters, measuring a staggering 120 feet by 120 feet. BMC data underscores the scale of the challenge, revealing that out of the 1,025 permanent hoardings deemed illegal, a substantial portion comprises illuminated and non-illuminated billboards. Shockingly, only a mere 70 LED hoardings are found to be compliant with regulatory standards.
In response to mounting public safety concerns and the imperative to uphold advertising norms, the BMC’s decisive action signifies a crucial step towards enhancing urban safety and governance in Mumbai. By cracking down on unauthorised hoardings and enforcing stringent regulations, the municipal corporation aims to foster a safer and more compliant advertising landscape, ensuring the well-being of citizens and visitors alike. Gagrani visited the spot in Ghatkopar on Tuesday and said, “I have also asked all administrative wards to take action against dangerous hoarding. Action will start soon.” Meanwhile, BMC has started removing all hoardings at Ghatkopar railway police quarters, where the incident happened on Monday evening. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered BMC to take strict action against illegal hoardings after he visited the spot.
