Illegal political hoarding in Powai collapses; Residents claim despite complaints it wasn’t removed
Illegal political hoarding in Powai collapses; Residents claim despite complaints it wasn’t removed
Few months ago, the residents had complained to the BMC about this political hoarding in Hiranandani area of Powai, built illegally by permanently placing iron rods and frames on the road, footpath, and a traffic island
July 26, 2024
A hoarding, allegedly installed illegally at the center of the road at Hiranandani Gardens in Mumbai’s Powai, collapsed today, July 26, due to heavy rains. The incident occurred during the noon, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and passersby.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, as per the post on social media platform X, a senior citizen had a narrow escape as the structure came crashing down.
Responding to this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said: “We regret your inconvenience. We have intimated our team to attend this issue.”
Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association (CCWA) further tweeted that the BMC’s S ward didn’t take action to remove the iron structure. The iron structure has now collapsed and this could have been fatal to pedestrians and motorists.
Despite multiple complaints, @mybmcWardS didn't take action of removing the iron structure. The iron structure has now collapsed and this could have been fatal to pedestrians and motorists.
— Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association (CCWA) (@ChandivaliCCWA) July 26, 2024
Several videos and photos of the Mumbai hoarding collapse have surfaced on social media.
In response to this, Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad also took to X and criticized the BMC and the Maharashtra government for their negligence despite previous mishaps due to such illegal billboards.
Yet another hoarding collapse! Have the @mybmc and Maharashtra government learnt no lessons? @mybmcWardS was sitting on the complaints of residents. Thankfully, a senior citizen managed to escape unhurt, but who would have taken responsibility if there was any loss of life? The… https://t.co/coiwxCbylC
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) July 26, 2024
This comes at a time when the BMC had recently claimed that all political banners across the city are being removed since the model code of conduct has kicked in following the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident that took away several lives and injured many.
It is pertinent to note that a few months ago, in March, the residents had complained to the BMC about this political hoarding in Hiranandani area of Powai, built illegally by permanently placing iron rods and frames on the road, footpath, and a traffic island. However, no action was taken against it. Citizens further claimed that this was not the only place and areas across Chandivali and Powai were covered with such hoardings where footpaths, roads, and traffic signals were blocked.
