Pune: Activist Jaymala Dhankikar Urges Chief Minister to Order Safety Audits of Hoardings in NIBM Annexe
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Kondhwa, 3rd November 2025: BJP member and social activist Jaymala Dhankikar has written to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of Maharashtra, urging immediate action to ensure structural safety audits of all hoardings in Pune’s NIBM Annexe area. Citing a growing threat to public safety from illegal and poorly maintained billboards, she requested that the Pune Police and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) be directed to conduct joint inspections and enforce strict compliance before the upcoming monsoon.
In her letter, Dhankikar referred to a series of recent hoarding collapses in Pune, Mumbai, and Nashik, which resulted in injuries and fatalities. “Despite repeated tragedies, many hoardings in NIBM Annexe remain unchecked and structurally unsafe. The negligence of authorities and hoarding owners is putting lives at risk,” she wrote.
She highlighted that the Maharashtra Police Act, BPMC Act, and Disaster Management Act empower officials to act against unsafe hoardings. “Under Section 34(1)(x) of the Maharashtra Police Act, police can remove obstructions endangering public safety, while Section 328 of the BPMC Act prohibits structures erected without municipal permission,” Dhankikar stated.
Citing past incidents, she wrote, “In May 2025, a massive hoarding collapsed in Kalyani Nagar during strong winds, injuring several pedestrians and damaging vehicles. A year earlier, the Ghatkopar tragedy in Mumbai claimed 14 lives. These are not isolated events—they reflect systemic failure.”
Dhankikar demanded that Pune Police issue notices to all hoarding owners in NIBM Annexe under Section 34 of the Maharashtra Police Act, requiring them to submit structural audit reports from certified engineers within 15 days. “PMC must immediately cancel licenses of non-compliant hoardings under Section 328 of the BPMC Act,” she added.
She also proposed a coordinated safety drive involving the police, PMC, and disaster management authorities. “Areas like Mohammedwadi Road and Kondhwa see heavy traffic and pedestrian movement, yet multiple oversized hoardings have been installed without proper wind load calculations,” she noted.
Referring to media reports, Dhankikar pointed out multiple recent hoarding collapses across Pune — including incidents near Wagholi and Dhanori — where vehicles were damaged but major tragedies were narrowly averted. “These incidents prove criminal negligence under the BNS. FIRs should be filed against negligent officials and hoarding owners,” she demanded.
Calling for urgent government intervention, Dhankikar warned that the monsoon season could worsen the risk. “Given Pune’s vulnerability to strong winds, delaying action could cost lives. The government must act now to prevent another tragedy,” she stated.
Dhankikar concluded her letter by appealing to the Chief Minister’s Office to treat the matter as a priority and ensure accountability through immediate enforcement.
