60 Percent Survey Of Billboards in Pimpri-Chinchwad Completed: PCMC Issues Deadline For Removal Of Illegal BillBoards
60 Percent Survey Of Billboards in Pimpri-Chinchwad Completed: PCMC Issues Deadline For Removal Of Illegal BillBoards
In various parts of Pimpri-Chinchwad city, billboards and advertising hoardings are being erected without municipal permission. This not only defaces the city but also poses a risk of injury or property damage if a hoarding collapses. Consequently, holders of unauthorized billboards in any part of the city must remove them by Sunday, May 19. Failure to do so within the stipulated period will result in legal action and removal of the hoardings by the municipal corporation on Monday, May 20, as stated by Commissioner Shekhar Singh.
This announcement was made during a meeting between municipal officials and billboard holders in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Present at the meeting were Joint Commissioner Chandrakant Indalkar, City Engineer Makarand Nikam, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Khot, Anna Bodade, and representatives of various advertising agencies.
The onset of monsoon brings storms and winds, increasing the likelihood of accidents due to weakened, corroded, or poorly structured hoardings. To prevent such incidents, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation is implementing various measures.
The number of billboard holders in the city is increasing daily, with many young individuals entering this business. It is essential to adhere to the regulations set by the Maharashtra government while erecting hoardings. Knowledge and compliance with these rules are necessary to avoid accidents and damages, emphasized Commissioner Shekhar Singh.
All billboard holders in the city must renew their permits annually. If the renewal is not completed by March 31 each year, the permits will not be renewed. Additionally, every billboard holder must submit a structural audit certificate. Permits of those who fail to provide this certificate will be canceled. Structural engineers must inspect the site and provide the audit certificate, ensuring the hoardings are not corroded or weakened. Regular painting of the structure is mandatory, instructed Commissioner Singh.
Furthermore, all billboards must include a notice for citizens at the bottom. The municipal corporation’s sky sign permit department will provide a sample of this notice to the billboard holders. In case of any encroachments such as shops or stalls under the hoarding, the billboard holder or property owner must inform the municipal corporation, which will take action against the encroachments.
From Monday, May 20, the municipal corporation will inspect various locations under all regional offices and remove unauthorized billboards, filing complaints against the respective holders and property owners, added Singh.
60% Survey of City Billboards Completed
The municipal corporation has completed a 60% survey of city billboards, finding 12 unauthorized hoardings so far. Notices have been issued to the holders to remove these billboards. If not removed within the next two days, legal action will be taken against the holders and property owners. Legal action will also be taken against billboards taller than 40 feet or exceeding permitted dimensions, informed Joint Commissioner Chandrakant Indalkar.
New Facility for Reporting Unauthorized Billboards on Smart Sarathi Soon
Citizens will soon be able to report unauthorized billboards to the municipal corporation through the Smart Sarathi application. Efforts are underway to control illegal hoardings using information technology, stated Commissioner Shekhar Singh.
