Pune: PCMC to Use AI for Monitoring Unauthorized Hoardings in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pimpri, 15th February 2025: In a bid to tackle unauthorized and oversized advertising hoardings, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has decided to implement an artificial intelligence (AI)-based survey system. The initiative comes as the Sky Sign and Licensing Department struggles with manpower shortages. The AI-driven system, introduced under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, aims to streamline monitoring and enforcement, ensuring immediate action against unauthorized and hazardous hoardings.
According to municipal data, Pimpri-Chinchwad has 1,135 authorized hoardings, but licenses for 100 hoardings remain unrenewed. The newly implemented AI system will monitor both existing and newly erected hoardings to detect violations efficiently. Given the department’s staff limitations, enforcement has been inconsistent, but this technology-driven approach is expected to save time, reduce costs, and enhance compliance.
The AI system is equipped with state-of-the-art laser cameras and drones to conduct comprehensive surveys of all hoardings across the city. Survey teams will use electric vehicles to capture 360-degree images of each structure.
The collected data will include crucial details such as:
✔️ Hoarding height, length, and width
✔️ Structural safety conditions
✔️ Legal authorization status
The Sky Sign and Licensing Department will analyze the AI-generated data and take swift action against violations. The system’s accuracy will eliminate the need for on-site inspections, significantly cutting operational expenses and enhancing enforcement efficiency.
Under the PPP model, 15% of the increased revenue will be allocated to the private organization managing the AI survey. The contract will be in place for 10 years. Additionally, the hoarding licensing process will transition to an online, paperless system. This will allow hoarding owners to renew their licenses without visiting municipal offices. Since all data will be securely archived, the need for resubmitting documents annually will be eliminated.
“The AI-based survey will make it easier to detect unauthorized hoardings while ensuring a transparent and efficient system. This digital transformation will benefit both the administration and hoarding holders by reducing paperwork, time, and costs,” said Additional Commissioner Chandrakant Indalkar.
