Pune: AI To Help PMRDA Identify Illegal Hoardings Across Nine Talukas
Pune, 19th October 2026: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system to curb unauthorised hoardings across its jurisdiction. A survey of hoardings across the entire region has been completed using the technology, and the data is being scrutinised to identify illegal structures and initiate action against them.
With rapid urbanisation across the PMRDA region, unauthorised constructions, advertising hoardings and encroachments on roads have become a growing concern. Thousands of hoardings have been erected across the authority’s nine talukas, with new advertising structures continuing to come up.
However, a shortage of staff in the unauthorised construction department has made it difficult for the authority to inspect hoardings in every village and monitor them regularly.
To address the issue, PMRDA has adopted modern technology through a hoarding detection system. The AI-based mechanism is designed to compile information on hoardings and distinguish between authorised and unauthorised advertising structures. The authority is also planning to establish a dedicated team to remove illegal constructions, hoardings and road encroachments.
The system is expected to facilitate regular monitoring and provide the information required to take action against unauthorised structures.
PMRDA has also shifted its hoarding approval process online to reduce the number of visits applicants need to make to the authority’s offices. Applicants will be able to access the necessary information online, while the authority is planning to establish a dedicated department to handle the process and reduce human intervention.
“An AI-based survey of hoardings has been conducted in every village across the PMRDA region. We are scrutinising the data collected through the survey alongside records available online. Further action will be taken based on the findings,” said K. Manjulakshmi, additional commissioner, PMRDA.
