PMRDA cracks down on illegal hoardings; 8 demolished

Pune: The PMRDA has intensified crackdown on illegal outdoor advertising, demolishing eight unauthorised hoardings along Pune–Nagar highway and in Hinjewadi this week. The move marks the beginning of a comprehensive action plan to regulate structures across high-traffic corridors.The drive follows a final ultimatum issued last week by Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari. Terming it a "last opportunity" for operators, the commissioner warned that unauthorised structures must be regularised or face immediate removal. This enforcement comes amid a surge of illegal hoardings across the Mulshi, Maval, Haveli, Khed, and Shirur talukas.A detailed ground survey conducted by PMRDA teams has identified nearly 150 hoardings along key stretches, including the Pune–Nagar and Pune–Solapur highways. Officials are currently verifying the legal status of these structures with the building permissions department. "Owners are being given a choice: regularise the structures by obtaining necessary permissions or remove them voluntarily. Failure to comply will result in demolition," a senior official stated.The urgency of the crackdown is fueled by safety concerns following a series of accidents last year. On May 20, strong pre-monsoon winds and heavy showers caused several hoardings to collapse. One large structure crashed onto the Pune–Ahilyanagar Road in Sanaswadi, damaging multiple vehicles, while another collapse on Dhanori–Porwal Road underscored the lethal risks posed by unregulated installations.PMRDA data shows that enforcement has been consistent over the past year, with 298 illegal hoardings removed. While authorities demolished 51 of these, the remaining 247 were taken down voluntarily by owners following official notices.To provide a long-term solution to urban disfigurement and safety risks, the PMRDA has proposed a transparent, fully online permission system. Under this new mechanism, every authorised hoarding will be assigned a unique QR code and tracked using geofencing technology. This will allow for real-time monitoring and ensure total accountability.Authorities have directed officials to adhere to strict timelines for approvals while expediting pending proposals that meet all documentation and fee requirements. The PMRDA aims to complete this safety drive before the onset of the monsoon, focusing on preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with regional planning norms.
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