Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) carried out a pre-dawn operation to demolish illegal hoardings installed near Lakdi Pul in the riverbed, following directives from senior officials. The action, taken at 4 AM, was in response to violations of the Maharashtra government’s 2022 advertising policy, which strictly prohibits hoardings on government land and riverbeds.
Repeated Violations Despite Previous Demolition
The illegal hoardings were erected behind Sambhaji Police Chowky at Tilak Chowk, despite being previously removed under a court order. The advertiser, claiming that PMC had not officially revoked their permit, reinstalled the hoardings. When municipal staff attempted to intervene, they were intimidated and forced to leave. A viral video of the incident showed the advertiser challenging officials, saying he would only respond to the Municipal Commissioner.
Investigation Exposes Official Negligence
Taking serious note of the matter, senior PMC officials reviewed documents and legal records on Monday. The investigation revealed that Kasba Vishrambaug ward office officials had failed to act, allowing the unauthorized hoardings to be reinstated. The officials responsible faced strict questioning over their inaction.
The legal department confirmed that the hoarding permits had expired months ago, leading to swift action. Following orders from Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale and Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., the Sky Sign Department used cranes to dismantle the structures at 4 AM.
Failure to Seize Materials Enabled Violation
The demolition exposed another oversight—despite a previous demolition last year, PMC had failed to seize the iron framework used for the hoardings. Approximately 6 tons of iron remained abandoned at the site, which the advertiser reused to reinstall the illegal structures. The former municipal commissioner had ordered the confiscation of materials, but the directive was ignored. Officials are now being urged to seize the iron framework to prevent further violations.
"The Pune Municipal Corporation reviewed the documents and demolished the hoardings erected in the riverbed early this morning."
– Prashant Thombre, Deputy Commissioner, Sky Sign Department
