The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to begin a special drive from September 25 against unauthorised posters, banners, hoardings and promotional stickers placed on public infrastructure across Mumbai. The action will follow the Ganeshotsav period and target displays found on bridges, flyovers and monorail pillars.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has called for legal action and substantial fines against individuals and organisations whose photographs or promotional material appear on unauthorised publicity. She is also expected to write to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide seeking a review of existing provisions for initiating cases and imposing penalties.
Tawde has raised particular concerns over promotional stickers attached to monorail pillars and flyover columns. Such material can be difficult to remove completely and may leave marks on public structures even after civic workers take it down.
Focus on Accountability
The Mayor has argued that enforcement should not end with the physical removal of illegal publicity material. Action should also examine those who benefit from the unauthorised displays.
The civic administration has separately confirmed that its post-festival enforcement will begin from September 25. According to BMC figures cited in reports, the civic body removes approximately 15,000-20,000 unauthorised hoardings every year, with around 45% reportedly connected to birthday greetings for political leaders or festive celebrations.
The latest move follows the BMC’s broader ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign, under which the civic body has been taking action against advertisements and encroachments that obstruct roads and footpaths. The campaign has also included directions to festival organisers and advertisers to keep pedestrian routes clear during Ganeshotsav and Navratri.
Civic Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
The proposed crackdown is aimed at reducing unauthorised publicity on structures that form part of Mumbai’s transport network and other public spaces.
The campaign is expected to cover illegal banners, posters, hoardings and stickers, while the proposed review of penalties could determine how responsibility is assigned to those featured in or benefiting from such publicity.
The BMC’s enforcement drive is scheduled to commence on September 25, following the conclusion of Ganeshotsav.
Source: The Free Press Journal
