Action Against Illegal Billboards in Pune Sparks Allegations of Partiality

Pune, 4th October 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) drive against illegal billboards in Warje has drawn allegations of selective enforcement after it emerged that the seized iron and wooden frames were allegedly returned to those who had erected the unauthorized structures.

According to local citizen Navnath Patil, while the PMC’s Sky Signs Department conducted an operation on Friday to remove illegal billboards along the stretch from Mai Mangeshkar Hospital to Aditya Garden, the seized materials were later handed back to the violators. Patil also alleged that some hoardings, reportedly put up to mark the birthday of a local leader’s brother, were left untouched.

Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram had earlier instructed the Sky Signs Department to take strict action against all unauthorized hoardings that disfigure city roads and public spaces. However, residents now claim the action taken in Warje was carried out in a “partial manner.”

“The Municipal Corporation removed some illegal billboards, but failed to take action against a few politically backed ones. Moreover, the seized iron frames were returned to those who had erected them,” alleged Patil in his complaint to the civic administration.

The incident occurred near a newly developed PMC lawn along the Maruti Mandir–Aditya Garden road, where large hoardings had been erected by digging holes into the grass, causing damage to the landscape. The billboards were dismantled and loaded into the encroachment department’s vehicle, but the materials were reportedly released afterward.

Meanwhile, the Sky Signs Department carried out a city-wide drive on Friday, removing around 2,500 illegal flexes, boards, and banners from various parts of Pune. “Cases will be registered against those who put up unauthorized hoardings. The action against illegal displays will continue,” said Madhav Jagtap, Deputy Commissioner of the department.