PMC Acts Against 28 Illegal Hoardings on MSRDC Roads

The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated action against 28 large advertisement hoardings erected within the right of way of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) roads in its jurisdiction.

These hoardings had their permissions revoked nearly two years ago, on September 6, 2024. Despite this, the structures remained in place, and no physical action was taken until now.

The PMC has issued a public notice directing the hoarding owners to remove the structures within seven days. If the owners fail to comply, the PMC will dismantle them and recover the demolition expenses, pending advertisement charges, and penalties from the concerned parties.

The issue came under the spotlight during the PMC general body meeting held in July, where Leader of Opposition Arvind Mhatre questioned the administration over the delay in removing the illegal hoardings. He warned that waiting until an accident occurred would amount to administrative negligence.

Mhatre also referred to two incidents in which hoardings had collapsed and highlighted the potential safety risks posed by the remaining structures, particularly near Middleclass locality and Kalamboli village.

Following the discussion, the issue was highlighted in media reports, prompting further action by the administration. According to the PMC, a total of 32 large hoardings had been erected within the MSRDC road corridor. Four have already been removed, while the remaining 28 continue to stand.

In a public notice issued on August 4, Additional Municipal Commissioner Maheshkumar Meghmale directed all concerned hoarding owners to voluntarily remove the structures within seven days. The notice states that if the owners fail to comply, the PMC will remove the hoardings at their cost and recover the outstanding advertisement fees along with applicable penalties.

During the general body meeting, Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale informed corporators that the PMC had written to the MSRDC on 10 to 12 occasions regarding the issue. He said the civic body would proceed with action after responsibility for the structures was clearly established.

The removal of these illegal hoardings is a significant step towards ensuring public safety and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the city. The PMC's action is expected to set a precedent for other civic bodies to follow in addressing similar issues.

The issue of illegal hoardings is not unique to Panvel, and it is a problem that plagues many cities in India. The PMC's decision to take action against these hoardings is a welcome move, and it is hoped that other cities will follow suit.

In conclusion, the PMC's action against the 28 illegal hoardings on MSRDC roads is a significant development that highlights the importance of public safety and the need for civic bodies to take proactive measures in addressing issues that affect the quality of life of citizens.