PCMC Issues Strict Order: All City Hoardings to be Stripped Clean from May 15 to Avoid Wind-Related Disasters
Pimpri-Chinchwad | April 25, 2026: In a major move to prioritize public safety over commercial revenue, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has directed all hoarding owners to remove advertisement flexes from May 15 to June 1. This directive comes as the twin cities prepare for potentially dangerous pre-monsoon winds and unseasonal storms.
A Proactive Shield Against Stormy Weather
The PCMC’s Sky Sign and License Department issued the order following a high-level review meeting chaired by Joint Commissioner Manoj Lonkar. The move is designed to minimize wind resistance on large iron structures, which have historically been prone to collapsing during the high-velocity “Aandhi” (dust storms) that precede the monsoon in Western Maharashtra.
“Public safety is non-negotiable. Large flex banners act like sails in high winds, putting immense pressure on the iron frames. By keeping the frames bare during this critical 15-day window, we significantly reduce the risk of structural failure,” a senior PCMC official stated.
Strict Structural Guidelines and QR Code Mandate
The civic body has not only ordered the removal of advertisements but has also laid down stringent maintenance protocols. Owners of the 1,631 authorized hoardings in the city must now:
- Physical Inspection: Conduct a thorough check of foundations and iron joints.
- Anti-Rust Treatment: Apply mandatory anti-rust coatings to prevent corrosion-led weakening.
- The QR Code Rule: Every structure must display a QR code containing approval details and owner contact info. Any hoarding found without a valid QR code will be treated as unauthorized and face immediate demolition.
Learning from Past Tragedies
The urgency of this order is rooted in past incidents that have shaken the region. The memory of the 2023 Kiwale hoarding collapse, which claimed five lives, and the devastating 2024 Ghatkopar incident in Mumbai, continues to drive the administration’s “Safety First” approach. The PCMC has already begun a crackdown, recently dismantling unauthorized structures in areas like Kiwale and Chinchwad.
Impact on the Advertising Industry
While the Outdoor Advertising Association has previously voiced concerns over revenue loss, they have largely agreed to comply with the 14-day “blank hoarding” period in the interest of public safety. Officials clarified that any hoarding found in a “dangerous condition” during current inspections must be removed entirely, not just stripped of its advertisement.
