Mumbai: The high-level inquiry committee, headed by former Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale, on Wednesday submitted its report to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the illegal giant hoarding collapse in Ghatkopar. Along with its investigation findings, the committee has also suggested key measures to the government concerning the regulation of such oversized hoardings.
On May 24, 2024, a massive illegal hoarding collapsed in the Cheddanagar area of Ghatkopar, claiming the lives of 16 innocent people. The incident raised serious questions about the legality and safety of advertising hoardings across the city. In response, the state government formed an inquiry committee on June 10, 2024. The committee was initially given one month to submit its findings, with the final deadline extended to March 31, 2025.
The committee included the Additional Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), an officer the rank of Additional Director General of Police, a structural engineer from IIT Bombay experienced in evaluating external structural safety, an income tax officer with expertise in investigating financial irregularities and tax evasion, and a chartered accountant skilled in forensic audits.
The committee was tasked with examining the sequence of events, causes, and consequences of the hoarding collapse. It was also directed to make recommendations on policies regarding the installation of hoardings on land owned by police and railway authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.
The panel investigated how rules and conditions were violated while granting permission for the hoarding in Ghatkopar. The government is expected to disclose the committee’s key recommendations soon.
