Pune: The Skysign and License Department officials will now need to submit visual proof the safety guidelines compliance for each installed hoarding within their jurisdiction. This move was prompted after it came to notice that several officials adhere to all regulations 'on paper', but ignore the actual implementation part of the rules.
Skysign inspectors are now mandated to submit photographs and reports for every hoarding within their jurisdiction and ensure that it is adhering to the guidelines issued in 2022 by the state government. It is believed that this would reveal any malpractices during hoarding installation and put checks and balances for public safety.
A recent tragic incident in Ghatkopar, where a hoarding collapse resulted in multiple fatalities, prompted Pune Municipal Corporation to initiate action against unauthorized hoardings. Initial enforcement began, but opposition from hoarding business industry has slowed the efforts. Due to the ongoing threat to public safety from improperly installed hoardings, stringent action remains essential. Consequently, on Thursday (June 6), the PMC administration held a meeting with the sky-sign department and regional office officials to address this issue.
Currently, there are 2,598 hoardings in Pune city with municipal permits. However, numerous hoardings are erected at intersections, on roads, and even multiple hoardings on a single building, many in violation of regulations. Despite these infractions, no action has been taken, citing municipal permission. Noticing this, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale and Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. decided to adopt a different approach for enforcement.
Skysign Inspectors from 15 regional offices have been asked to photograph each hoarding within their jurisdiction and submit a written report detailing which provisions of the 2022 regulations have been violated. Clear documentation of these violations is essential. Inspectors providing false information will face direct suspension, and if dangerous hoardings lead to fatalities, they will be dismissed from service, Commissioner Bhosale warned during the meeting.
To ensure compliance, Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. had assigned employees to photograph hoardings across various city areas. Out of approximately 150 photographs, many hoardings were found to be improperly installed. As a result, an order has been issued to photograph all 2,598 hoardings and submit a comprehensive report. Additionally, action will be taken against those who damage tree branches to erect hoardings, Prithviraj B.P. stated.
