Pune: PMRDA Cracks Down on Illegal Hoardings: Strict Legal Action and Zero Tolerance Policy
PUNE – The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has issued a stern warning against the installation of unauthorized hoardings across the metropolitan region. Citing public safety and urban aesthetics, the authority announced that illegal sky signs will no longer be tolerated, and violators will face direct criminal charges.
The move comes as Pune experiences rapid infrastructural growth, leading to a surge in outdoor advertising. PMRDA officials emphasized that while progress is a matter of pride, the unregulated mushrooming of massive hoardings poses a severe threat to citizens’ lives and disrupts organized city planning.
Zero Tolerance for Violators
The PMRDA has shifted to a “zero-concession” stance regarding unauthorized structures. Key directives issued by the authority include:
- Mandatory Approvals: No hoarding or advertisement board can be erected without explicit prior permission from the governing body.
- Joint Liability: In the event of an illegal installation or an accident caused by a hoarding, the advertiser, the agency operator, and the landowner will all be held legally responsible.
- Criminal Proceedings: The authority confirmed that FIRs (First Information Reports) will be filed immediately against those bypassing the legal permitting process.
Prioritizing Public Safety
“Unauthorized hoardings are not just illegal; they are a direct risk to life,” the PMRDA stated in its public appeal. Recent incidents involving structural collapses during high winds have heightened concerns over poorly engineered or unapproved sky signs.
The PMRDA is urging residents to act as eyes on the ground. Citizens who spot suspicious or clearly unauthorized hoardings are encouraged to report them to the administration immediately to prevent potential tragedies.
Call to Action for Property Owners
The authority reminds all stakeholders that maintaining a “Safe and Beautiful Pune Metropolitan Region” is a collective responsibility. Property owners are advised to verify that all necessary government permissions are in place before allowing any advertising structures on their premises to avoid facing legal prosecution.
