Pune: No Hoarding Permits in Pimpri-Chinchwad Till June 15 Amid Safety Concerns
In a rare and proactive move, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced a complete halt on hoarding permits from April 15 to June 15. The decision, triggered by the threat of unseasonal rains and strong winds typical of the pre-monsoon period, aims to avoid incidents of hoarding collapses that can pose serious risks to public safety.
No Ads, No Exceptions
All hoardings across the twin cities are now required to remain blank and free of advertisements during this period. The civic body’s sky signs and licensing department has issued directives to hoarding owners to inspect their structures, carry out urgent repairs, and ensure proper locking mechanisms are in place.
“For the first time, hoardings must remain vacant during the peak of the pre-monsoon season. Any damaged structures must be repaired immediately,” said PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, highlighting the safety-first approach being taken by the administration.
Advertisers Raise Red Flags
At a recent meeting in Akurdi, hoarding owners and advertising agencies expressed concerns over structural assessment lapses, alleging that several hoarding certificates were being issued in a “copy-paste” manner, without proper verification. Complaints also pointed to a lack of responsiveness from various municipal departments, and unchecked hoardings exceeding legal dimensions.
Despite state regulations that demand clarity on size and structural stability, violations persist. Officials have assured stakeholders that a follow-up meeting will be held to address these complaints and improve coordination between departments.
A Painful Reminder from the Past
This safety crackdown follows the tragic incident in Kiwale on April 17, 2023, where an illegal hoarding collapse claimed five lives. The aftermath saw the PCMC demolish over 17,000 illegal hoardings, with only around 1,400 now considered authorised.
The PCMC now mandates that all new hoardings carry a structural stability certificate issued by the College of Engineering, Pune. Yet, violations continue to surface, showing that enforcement remains a work in progress.
As the city braces for unpredictable weather, the PCMC’s move—while inconvenient for advertisers—has been widely acknowledged as a much-needed step toward prioritizing public safety over commercial interests.
