Pune, 23 January 2026: To intensify action against illegal flex banners and hoardings across the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation has decided to form separate enforcement teams at the level of all 15 ward offices. The new system will be implemented from the upcoming financial year, Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. said.
Illegal flex banners have become a major concern in Pune, with citizens repeatedly complaining about visual pollution and encroachments in public spaces. Despite assurances from political parties and clear instructions from senior leaders, flex banners celebrating birthdays, election victories, and political events continue to appear at major junctions, roads, flyovers, gateways, and other prominent locations.
Political leadership has also expressed strong opposition to the practice. Devendra Fadnavis has instructed party leaders not to put up unauthorized banners, while Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol has warned that those responsible for illegal flexes could be denied civic posts. However, enforcement on the ground has remained inconsistent due to staff shortages.
Against this backdrop, the civic administration has issued strict instructions to immediately clear all banners and advertisements along the route of the ongoing international Grand Cycling Competition in Pune. Officials said all obstacles must be removed to ensure the event is conducted smoothly, safely, and in line with international standards.
Prithviraj B.P. said that while action against illegal flexes is already underway, ward offices currently lack adequate manpower. To address this, the municipal budget will include provisions to appoint two to three dedicated staff members per ward office, along with vehicles, exclusively for removing unauthorized banners. This, he said, will help ensure regular and sustained enforcement across the city.
