Ranchi Municipal Corporation Removes 83 Illegal Hoardings Ahead of Durga Puja

Ranchi: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised outdoor advertisements, removing 83 illegal hoardings since August as part of its ongoing enforcement drive.The action, officials said, is aimed at clearing public spaces ahead of Durga Puja to ensure smoother traffic flow, safer roads, and improved civic aesthetics.The hoardings, many of which were installed at key locations, including Kutchery Chowk, Jail Chowk, Circular Road, Lalpur Chowk, Dangratoli Chowk, Hinoo and Doranda, without No Objection Certificates (NOCs) or had lapsed permits were dismantled.Officials said several installations were found dangerously close to drains, transformers and high-traffic junctions, posing safety hazards for commuters.Gautam Prasad Sahu, deputy municipal commissioner, said the corporation has adopted a zero-tolerance approach. “We are acting strictly under the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011. Hoardings that are unapproved, unsafe or obstructing visibility in busy zones will not be allowed. Parameters are clear – they must not be installed at traffic intersections, they must meet size norms such as 20x40 feet or smaller, and valid NOCs are mandatory. Our teams are running drives so that illegal structures are not forcibly put up again,” he said.The recent phase of enforcement has also brought down hoardings whose validity period had expired but were still occupying public space. Officials noted that many advertisers had not renewed their permits, leading to cluttered skylines and a loss of civic revenue.With Durga Puja around the corner, RMC teams are cross-checking old records to ensure that only boards with valid approvals are in place.For daily commuters, the removal has come as a welcome relief, though many feel the job is far from over. “Some boards near Lalpur Chowk still stand at a high-traffic place. It’s risky during peak hours,” said Ritu Sharma, a college student.In July, RMC had dismantled nearly 50 such hoardings, making the tally of over 130 illegal structures taken down in two months. Officials said the drive will continue until the cityscape is cleared of unauthorised displays.