PCMC Issues Ultimatum: Renew Hoarding Licences or Face Penalties

Currently, out of the 1,136 advertisement boards dotting the landscape of Pimpri-Chinchwad city, only 910 holders have obtained the necessary licences from the municipal authority.

30 April 2024

By Ishika Kumar

In a bid to regulate the cityscape and ensure compliance with licensing regulations, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a stern warning to billboard owners: renew your licence or face penalties.

Under the purview of the Sky Signs and Licensing Department, the PCMC mandates the annual renewal of billboard licences. Currently, out of the 1,136 advertisement boards dotting the landscape of Pimpri-Chinchwad city, only 910 holders have obtained the necessary licences from the municipal authority.

Sandeep Khot, Deputy Commissioner of the Sky Signs and Licensing Department of PCMC, has emphasised the importance of compliance with licensing regulations. He has cautioned billboard owners that failure to renew their licence promptly will result in penal action. The repercussions for non-compliance are clear: a penalty of 10 per cent will be imposed if the licence fee remains unpaid for three months after the deadline of 1st April. This penalty escalates to 25 per cent of the fee goes unpaid for six months. Additionally, the PCMC reserves the right to cancel licences for persistent non-renewal.

Khot has highlighted the need for co-operation from billboard holders, urging them to promptly settle their fees to avoid fines and potential licence cancellation.

The additional commissioner of PCMC who heads the Sky Sign Department, Vijay Kumar Kharote, in conversation with the Pune Pulse, said that, “No matter what, the offenders who fail to pay renewal fee will be penalised without fail, and they shall ensure that compliance.” 

Stakeholders must recognize their responsibility to maintain the legality and aesthetics of the city’s advertising infrastructure.

The licensing process ensures that billboards adhere to safety standards and are erected in designated areas, preventing visual clutter, and safeguarding public spaces. By renewing their licences, billboard owners contribute to the upkeep of civic order and compliance with regulatory frameworks. The PCMC’s enforcement of licensing regulations reflects its commitment to efficient governance and urban planning. Through proactive measures, such as penalising non-compliance and encouraging timely renewal, the municipal authority seeks to foster a conducive environment for responsible advertising practices.

Moreover, the emphasis on cooperation underscores the symbiotic relationship between the PCMC and billboard owners. By fulfilling their obligations, billboard holders demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of the community and the preservation of civic norms. The PCMC’s crackdown on unlicensed billboards serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance in urban environments. As the city evolves, stakeholders must adapt and adhere to established norms, contributing to the collective goal of sustainable development and harmonious coexistence.

Considering this, billboard owners are urged to prioritise the renewal of their licences, thereby ensuring continued compliance, and avoiding penalties. Through collaborative efforts, the PCMC and stakeholders can work towards a vibrant and orderly cityscape, reflective of responsible civic stewardship.