Pune: PMC Demolishes Illegal Mega Hoarding in Mohammadwadi NIBM Annexe After Citizens’ Outcry
Mohammadwadi, 12th November 2025: In a swift response to mounting public pressure, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Tuesday demolished the illegal mega hoarding near SM Ghule Circle and the Axis Bank ATM in Mohammadwadi–NIBM Annexe. The action came hours after citizens and activists demanded immediate FIRs and accountability for unauthorized structures posing serious safety hazards.
The action was taken after PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram hinted through a Facebook post that action would be taken against the illegal hoarding.
Speaking to Punekar News, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said, “This is part of our ongoing drive to clean the city and decongest roads. We are taking action not only against illegal hoardings and encroachments but also to fix potholes.”
Activist Jaymala Dhankikar said, “We welcome PMC action against the unauthorized hoarding near SM Ghule Circle. Similar illegal structures must be identified and removed.”
Citizens’ Activism Pays Off
The demolition follows sustained efforts by local residents and members of the Mohammadwadi–NIBM Citizens Forum, who had highlighted the dangers of the illegal structure and accused civic officials of inaction. The hoarding, allegedly erected without permissions or stability certification, violated multiple laws under the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporations (BPMC) Act, 1949, and PMC Advertising Rules.
Civic activist Ravindra Jadhav, who has been vocal about the issue, said, “This is a welcome step, but it should not end here. FIRs must still be filed against the contractor and negligent officials who allowed it to exist for months. One demolition doesn’t fix a corrupt system.”
Another resident, Priya Naik, added, “The action happened only because citizens spoke up and exposed the violations publicly. We will continue to monitor other illegal hoardings in Mohammadwadi and NIBM.”
Long-Standing Negligence Exposed
An Executive Engineer’s letter dated September 25, 2025, had earlier warned that the same hoarding obstructed road widening and footpath development work in Ward 41. Despite written warnings, no action was taken until citizens escalated the matter on social media and tagged PMC officials.
Civic rights leader Ashok Mehendale welcomed the action but urged structural accountability: “The Commissioner’s prompt response is appreciated, but the process should not stop at demolition. The officials who ignored prior warnings must face internal inquiry and penalties.”
Broader Crackdown Expected
The PMC’s action could mark the beginning of a wider crackdown on unauthorized hoardings across the city. According to sources in the Building Permission Department, a citywide survey is being planned to identify illegal billboards, particularly those installed near major traffic junctions and residential zones.
A Wake-Up Call for Urban Safety
Illegal hoardings have been a persistent threat in Pune, with past tragedies underscoring their danger — including the Juna Bazaar Chowk, Wagholi, and Porwal Road hoarding collapses that left several injured and deaths, and the Ghatkopar incident in Mumbai (2024), which claimed 14 lives.
As residents continue to demand transparency and stricter enforcement, today’s demolition has reignited the debate over civic accountability and public safety.
As activist Rahul Gaikwad summed up: “This demolition is not the end — it’s just proof that when citizens unite and raise their voices, even the strongest nexus of corruption can crack.”
