Mumbai: Need political will to tackle illegal hoardings, say civic activists

Illegal hoardings along the boundary wall of SGNP, Borivli on Sunday. Pic/Satej Shinde

Illegal hoardings and banners have again come into the spotlight with civic activists filing complaints. BMC chief Iqbal Singh Chahal, during the review meeting of the civic body's Rs 2,000-crore Mumbai beautification plan on Friday, directed officials to take strict action against these. Activists, however, say there was also a need for political will as a majority of these illegal banners are that of politicians. As per BMC records, it takes action against around 22,000 such banners each year and files around 800 cases.

A civic activist from Matunga, Nikhil Desai, said, "BMC officials can take action [on illegal hoardings], but what about politicians who set up their hoardings and banners for festivals and new year for free publicity? Until politicians change their mindset, this problem will likely persist."

Illegal posters installed along roads. As per BMC guidelines, it is not allowed to erect banners on roads or gardens. File pic

"The Supreme Court and high court have passed orders about illegal hoarding, but nothing has changed. Now the commissioner has an order. But I don't think this will change the situation until there is political will," Desai added.

Sanjay Gurav, another activist said, "Political leaders are responsible for this mess. After the court order, all political parties made an affidavit saying they would not install illegal hoarding. But we can see such hoardings everywhere in the city. The BMC should take strict action."

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"Illegal banners are disturbing the harmony of Mumbai. Take strict action against them," read Chahal's order. As per the existing guidelines on action against illegal hoardings and banners, civic officials, if notified about the presence of such banners, remove them. However, cases are only filed in case the individual or entity has installed too many banners or refuses to take them down despite notice. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sanjog Kabre was not available for comment.

Anil Galgali, another civic activist, said, "The civic chief should also take strict action against its officials who are not acting against illegal banners."

As per BMC guidelines, the authority grants temporary permission for installing banners and hoardings on private premises by obtaining a no-objection certificate. In addition, during festivals, BMC grants permission for the same on roads within a distance of 100 metres from the pandal or place of worship. The guidelines also state that the civic body does not allow banners on roads or city gardens.

22k
Approx. no. of illegal hoardings BMC removes a year