Pune’s Flex Menace: PMC Hits Back with FIRs and Strict Penalties
Pune, 5th February 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized hoardings, flex banners, and placards, resuming strict action that had been dormant for the past few months. In a major development, the civic body has started not just imposing fines but also registering criminal cases against repeat offenders.
According to Prashant Thombre, Head of PMC’s Sky Signs Department, the municipal administration is determined to curb the menace of illegal flex banners. “We have begun registering criminal cases against those who continue to flout regulations despite repeated warnings. The action against unauthorized flex banners will continue,” he stated.
A few months ago, PMC had taken strict action against unauthorized flexes, leading to a temporary reduction in illegal hoardings. However, over the past month, the trend has made a strong comeback, with banners and hoardings reappearing across prime city locations, suburbs, main roads, and residential areas. Despite repeated removals by the civic body, unauthorized flexes keep resurfacing at the same spots.
PMC has not only imposed financial penalties on flex vendors but has also sought police intervention to deter repeat offenders. So far:
2,052 unauthorized hoardings and flexes have been removed.
₹1.36 lakh in fines has been collected from vendors.
15 police complaints have been filed against habitual violators.
2 criminal cases have been registered against unauthorized flex vendors.
Despite the crackdown, citizens allege that certain PMC regional offices hesitate to take action against unauthorized flex banners. Many dilapidated flexes remain in place for weeks, with regional officers turning a blind eye. There are also allegations that some officials protect illegal flex installers, either by ignoring complaints or intimidating those who report violations.
With PMC now combining financial penalties with legal action, authorities hope to deter repeat offenders and restore order to Pune’s urban landscape.
