Aaditya Thackeray Opposes Floating Hoardings Along Mumbai’s Waterfronts

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene against a decision permitting floating advertisements along Mumbai’s waterfronts, warning that the move could damage the city’s visual appeal.

In a letter dated October 28, which he shared on social media on Thursday, Thackeray criticised the Mumbai Maritime Board’s decision to allow advertisements on barges positioned along prominent coastal stretches. He described the move as irresponsible and called for the policy to be reconsidered.

Thackeray argued that pollution has already reduced the visibility of the sea from several parts of Mumbai, including locations a short distance inland. He said the lack of effective measures to address pollution had diminished residents’ ability to enjoy views of the coastline.

“Sadly, with this absurd decision to support a cartel of hoarding contractors, whatever can be seen, will be advertisements pasted in the faces of citizens, who are already bearing the brunt of the rampant pollution on land,” the former minister said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also called for a comprehensive policy to regulate outdoor advertising across the city. He highlighted concerns over LED hoardings that can disturb residents at night and urged authorities to impose limits on the number of advertisements displayed.

According to Thackeray, protecting Mumbai’s appearance should take precedence over the interests of advertising contractors. He alleged that the decision favoured commercial operators instead of safeguarding the city’s waterfront character.

“Aesthetics over cartels must be the norm, but sadly this decision chooses contractors over aesthetics,” Thackeray claimed.

He appealed directly to the chief minister to reverse the decision, raising questions about its implications for the city’s environment and urban landscape.

“I urge you to intervene and stop this decision that is highly irresponsible, possibly corrupt, and surely one that ruins the aesthetics of Mumbai,” he added.

The controversy follows the Mumbai Maritime Board’s move to permit floating advertisements on barges along key waterfront locations. Thackeray’s objections have brought renewed attention to the regulation of outdoor advertising and the preservation of Mumbai’s coastal views.

Source: Deccan Herald