The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has launched a stringent crackdown on unauthorized hoardings across its jurisdiction, targeting illegal advertisements that pose safety risks and violate regulations. Since April 21, 2025, enforcement actions have been underway in key areas including Haveli and Maval talukas, particularly Wadki and Hinjewadi, where multiple unauthorized hoardings were identified and addressed simultaneously.
As a result of this decisive operation, hoarding owners and advertising companies have deposited over Rs 48 lakh in fines and development fees to regularize their structures and avoid further penalties. By April 22, ten hoarding holders had complied with PMRDA’s demands, signaling the authority’s firm stance against illegal advertising.
This crackdown is led by PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase, Additional Commissioner Deepak Singla, and Vigilance Officer Amol Tambe, with strong support from Assistant Commissioner Dr. Deepti Suryavanshi-Patil and local law enforcement. The operation also involved Tehsildars, engineers, and police officials working in coordination to ensure swift and effective enforcement.
The PMRDA’s action comes amid growing concerns over the safety hazards posed by unauthorized hoardings, especially with the onset of unpredictable weather and strong winds that increase the risk of hoardings collapsing and causing accidents. Hoardings exceeding height limits, located in high-traffic areas, or constructed with faulty structures are being prioritized for removal.
Authorities have reminded hoarding owners that no new sky signs or hoardings can be erected without prior approval from PMRDA. Multiple hoardings on a single structure are prohibited, and existing hoardings with obstructive panels or wind-blocking materials must be modified or dismantled to comply with safety norms.
The crackdown follows a recent survey revealing approximately 12,000 illegal hoardings within the PMRDA limits, with only around 800 applications submitted for regularization. Many hoarding owners have hesitated to pay the required fines and development fees, which range from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, leading to a backlog of pending approvals.
NGOs like Dnyanmata Seva Bhavi Sanstha have offered to assist in free removal of unauthorized hoardings to enhance public safety and urban aesthetics.
PMRDA has set strict deadlines for hoarding owners to submit regularization proposals, with April 8 being a key cutoff date. Failure to comply will result in immediate removal of illegal hoardings. The authority has also mandated removal of dangerous hoardings near major roads and traffic-heavy zones within two days to prevent accidents.
