Bombay High Court orders inspections as civic body targets illegal displays and late-night lights amid safety concerns
The BMC demolished illegal hoardings last month. Pic/Ashish Raje
As per the Bombay High Court’s directive, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officers have been deployed to inspect the sizes of hoardings across the city, with a report due within a week. The teams will also check if digital hoardings remain illuminated after 11 pm and whether they display QR codes.
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Following the Ghatkopar billboard collapse, concerns over oversized and illegal hoardings have resurfaced. A meeting convened at Mantralaya’s office of the additional chief secretary (home) on Wednesday reviewed the status of unauthorised hoardings, posters and boards in compliance with the high court’s decision.
“Following the discussion and orders from the additional chief secretary, all concerned staff of the BMC’s licence department were instructed to submit reports within seven days on hoardings in their respective areas,” said a BMC official. The civic body has formed four teams: two for the western suburbs, one each for the eastern suburbs and an island city. Hoardings are permitted up to 40 feet in width within BMC limits, with QR codes mandated for agency information.
Advertising agencies failing to comply with the 11 pm shutdown rule for digital hoardings may face enforcement action. Mumbai has a total of 1,027 billboards, including 67 digital ones. Complaints regarding digital billboards have increased due to their bright lights and distracting effects on drivers from constantly changing images. Current regulations require these boards to be turned off by 11 pm, yet many remain illuminated throughout the night.
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