No Hoarding Ads in Pimpri-Chinchwad from April 15 to June 15 Due to Safety Risks
No Hoarding Ads in Pimpri-Chinchwad from April 15 to June 15 Due to Safety Risks
In anticipation of unseasonal rainfall and strong pre-monsoon winds, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has taken a decisive safety measure by suspending all hoarding advertisements across the city for a two-month period. From April 15 to June 15, no permissions will be granted for displaying ads on hoardings, the civic body announced.
This proactive decision aims to prevent potential accidents caused by hoardings collapsing under the strain of gusty winds. The PCMC’s Sky Signs and Licensing Department has formally instructed all hoarding owners to ensure their billboards remain completely empty throughout this duration.
As part of the directive, hoarding owners have also been urged to conduct immediate inspections of their structures. Necessary repairs must be carried out without delay, and proper locking mechanisms must be installed to secure the frames after verification. “The threat of hoardings collapsing due to strong pre-monsoon winds is real and serious. Therefore, as a preventive measure, all hoardings must remain vacant between April 15 and June 15 for the first time,” said PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh. “Any signs of structural damage must be addressed promptly to safeguard the public.”
During a recent meeting held between PCMC officials and advertising agencies, several concerns were raised by hoarding operators. A key issue highlighted was the alleged issuance of structural certificates without proper technical assessments—many of which are believed to follow a “copy-paste” format. Despite state regulations mandating thorough evaluations for height, size, and stability, these rules are frequently overlooked.
Officials noted that large hoardings, especially those exceeding 40 feet in height or measuring more than 30×40 feet, often escape regulatory checks. Additionally, numerous hoardings lack the mandatory 4×3-foot display boards that are supposed to indicate ownership and dimensions.
Advertising agencies also voiced frustration over delayed responses to complaints submitted via email and WhatsApp. Operators claimed they face unnecessary hurdles from departments such as revenue, garden, and zonal offices. In response, civic authorities assured that a follow-up meeting would be arranged soon to address these grievances comprehensively.
Tragedy Sparks Stricter Regulations
The move by PCMC comes in the wake of a devastating incident that underscored the dangers of unauthorized hoardings. On April 17, 2023, five laborers lost their lives in the Kiwale area when an illegal hoarding collapsed during rough weather. The tragic event prompted the PCMC to implement stricter regulations, including a mandate that new hoardings must be certified for structural stability by the College of Engineering, Pune.
Following the incident, the municipal corporation demolished more than 17,000 unauthorized hoardings across Pimpri-Chinchwad. As of now, only around 1,400 hoardings are considered legal, according to the Sky Signs Department. Despite these stricter norms, violations by advertising agencies continue to be reported.
