Pune: PCMC Orders Hoarding Owners to Remove Advertisements for Safety Ahead of Pre-Monsoon Winds

Pimpri, 12th April 2025: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a directive to hoarding owners to dismantle advertisements from iron structures between April 15 and June 15. The move comes as a precautionary step to prevent accidents that could occur due to high winds associated with pre-monsoon activity or unseasonal rains.

A senior official from PCMC’s Sky Sign Department explained that the decision was made to minimize the risk of hoarding collapses. “Over the past few years, incidents of hoardings collapsing have been reported mostly in the months leading up to the monsoon. We want to prevent any untoward incidents from happening in Pimpri Chinchwad,” the official said.

Municipal records show that hoarding collapses during this period have been deadly. For instance, on April 17, 2023, a hoarding collapse in Kiwale tragically claimed the lives of five individuals. Similarly, on May 13, 2024, 17 people lost their lives when a hoarding collapsed in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar. As a preventive measure, PCMC has asked hoarding owners to remove their banners for the next two months.

In light of these concerns, municipal officials held a meeting with hoarding owners and members of the Outdoor Advertising Association on Thursday. The discussions emphasized the importance of conducting routine maintenance to ensure the structural stability of hoarding installations. “We have asked hoarding owners to take necessary precautions to avoid any risks during the upcoming months,” said a PCMC official.

Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner and Head of PCMC’s Sky Sign Department, said, “This is the first time we are implementing such an initiative. The goal is to prevent any unfortunate accidents caused by hoarding collapses in the city. We appreciate the cooperation of hoarding owners in this matter.”

Thengal also added that over 1,300 hoardings are currently registered across Pimpri Chinchwad. Earlier this year, the civic body conducted an AI-driven survey to assess the condition of hoardings in the city.

A member of the Pune Outdoor Advertising Association explained the steps taken by the industry to address wind-related concerns. “We have already made modifications, like creating holes in the advertisement boards installed on iron structures, to allow wind to pass through. However, given the recent hoarding collapse incidents and the PCMC’s request, we have agreed to remove the advertisements as a safety measure,” the association member said.

Hoardings located on large structures along highways or rooftops, which may obstruct wind flow and be vulnerable to collapse, will be the primary focus of the removal efforts. The PCMC had already decided in December 2024 not to permit the installation of temporary hoarding structures in the city, further reflecting its commitment to safety.