Mumbai Hoardings In The Dock: Maharashtra Govt Asks BMC To Audit All Outdoor Hoardings In Mumbai Within 3 Months
In the wake of repeated violations and safety issues, Maharashtra govt asks BMC to conduct audit of all outdoor hoardings in Mumbai within three months; legal action guaranteed against violators.
Maharashtra government asks BMC to conduct an audit of all outdoor hoardings in Mumbai after repeated violations. Complete audit report to be placed in Monsoon Session. FIR against Mulund contractor probable.
Mumbai, March 22:
In a major step to tighten rules pertaining to outdoor advertisements, the Maharashtra government has ordered an audit of all hoardings in Mumbai city limits and asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to present a detailed report on the subject within three months. The findings of the audit are likely to be placed before the state legislature during the upcoming Monsoon Session, which usually starts from July.
Legislative Debate Sparks Action
The decision followed a fierce debate in the Question Hour session in the State Legislative Assembly on Friday. Some of the ruling party MLAs expressed concerns about illegal hoardings, absence of necessary approvals, and complete disregard for norms in the city.
BJP MLA Ameet Satam brought to light a stark example in the case of a specific hoarding at the Mulund toll naka, which has been fined 68 times for violating rules. He noted that even though the contractor took permission from MSRDC (Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation), they did not take necessary approvals from the BMC.
“The contractor is doing it deliberately. An FIR must be filed against them,” Satam demanded.
Industries Minister Uday Samant recognized the habitual offenses, further stating that the hoarding makes ₹35,000 a day while being slapped with a paltry ₹1,000 a day fine by the BMC, rendering it economically possible for contractors to keep flouting rules. Samant promised that an FIR will be filed against the contractor, and the audit procedure will be initiated forthwith.
One-Agency Permission Demand
MLAs Yogesh Sagar and Parag Alavani also raised their concerns regarding the multiplicity of agencies giving permission for hoardings, such as the BMC, MSRDC, and Airport Authority. They emphasized the necessity for a single-window clearance system, with the BMC as the main authority for giving or denying permission for installing hoardings.
Hoarding Collapse Tragedy & Legal Push
The debate was also accompanied by a reference to the May 2024 collapse of the Mumbai hoarding which killed 17 people and hurt many more. In consideration thereof, Alavani recommended inserting provisions in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act to institute criminal punishment to violators who are missing even in the available laws.
“Criminal responsibility will be an effective deterrent for irresponsible contractors,” Alavani contended.
What‘s Next?
Ending the debate, Minister Samant recalled:
“A detailed survey of all outdoor hoardings in Mumbai will be conducted, and the report will be given in the following session.”
Wait for more updates as the BMC initiates the citywide audit and legal proceedings are initiated against offenders.
