Unauthorized Hoardings Under Scanner in Pune, PMC Commissioner Doubts Official Count
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 17th June 2025: In a bold move aimed at cracking down on illegal and potentially dangerous hoardings across the city, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has cast serious doubt on his own administration’s figures. Despite three recent incidents of hoarding collapses during the monsoon, a report submitted by PMC’s 15 ward offices claims that only 24 unauthorized hoardings exist in the city—a figure the Commissioner has found implausible.
Ram has announced the formation of an independent inspection team to conduct a city-wide audit. He warned that if this new team finds more unauthorized hoardings than reported, strict action will be taken against the responsible officers. “The report states there are only 24 unauthorized hoardings, but it’s difficult to believe that’s the true number,” said Ram. “A new inspection team will be appointed. If they discover discrepancies, disciplinary action will follow. I have instructed all ward officers to remove illegal hoardings immediately—before my team arrives.”
According to official records, there are around 2,400 legal hoardings in Pune approved by the Sky Signs Department of the PMC. However, rampant violations are suspected, especially in the recently merged village areas where hoardings have mushroomed without any approval.
These unauthorized structures are often erected in collusion with local officials and advertising agencies to avoid paying hefty licensing fees.
Several incidents in recent years—including three this monsoon season—have involved hoardings crashing down during storms or pre-monsoon winds, highlighting the urgent safety risks. The PMC typically conducts a structural audit of all hoardings before the onset of the rainy season, but critics say that enforcement remains weak, and that politically backed or influential firms often escape scrutiny.
Sources within the civic body claim that many ward officials have underreported illegal hoardings to shield advertising contractors or due to lax oversight. Ram’s directive signals a tightening of accountability and a stronger emphasis on public safety.
Key Points:
- Only 24 illegal hoardings reported officially across 15 regional zones.
- Commissioner questions accuracy, announces separate city-wide audit.
- Strict action promised against officials if actual numbers exceed report.
- Newly merged villages under scanner for spike in unlicensed hoardings.
- Public safety at stake as monsoon exposes structural vulnerabilities.
As the independent team begins its survey, Punekars await to see whether this move will finally dismantle the towering menace of illegal hoardings looming over their daily lives.
