Navi Mumbai: The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken action against banners, hoardings, and wall sheets put up across the civic jurisdiction without taking permission from the corporation. The PMC has imposed fines amounting to ₹4 lakh on various violators. The civic body has also filed FIRs against the violators under the Destruction of Property Act, 1995, based on the Bombay High Court order dated November 26, 2015.
"A large number of posters and banners have been observed within the civic area without obtaining prior permission from the corporation. The violators include Prahar Academy, City Bikes Point, Commando Career Academy, Pari School (Kids Club), Priya New Bank Job, Matoshree Hospital, and others," said a senior civic official.
Destruction of Property Act 1995
According to the Destruction of Property Act 1995 and the Bombay High Court's order of November 26, 2015, banners, posters, hoardings, digital flexes, and arches cannot be erected on electricity poles and premises owned by local authorities without prior permission. Furthermore, as per the order, criminal action can be taken against the operators of such unauthorized advertisements.
The civic body had previously issued a public notice, urging all organizations to remove their banners and hoardings and refrain from violating the decision again. However, despite the strict action taken by the civic body, banners, hoardings, and wall posters were put up without the corporation's permission.
The License Department of PMC has registered an FIR against Prahar Academy, Commando Career Academy, and Priya New Bank Job as they have not paid the fine amount despite receiving proper notice from the Municipal Corporation. Similarly, City Bikes Point, Pre-School (Kids Club), and Matoshree Hospital have been issued notices.
The PMC has imposed a fine of Rs 2.94 lakh on Prahar Academy located in Takka, Panvel. Similarly, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed on City Bikes Point in Takka, Panvel.
"The civic body will take strict action against unauthorized banners in the civic area as per the rules. From a business perspective, businesses that wish to advertise are obligated to obtain official permission from the municipal corporation," said Kailas Gawde, Deputy Commissioner of Panvel Municipal Corporation.
Another civic official stated that political banners will also face action. "The civic body has provided contact numbers where people can report illegal banners and hoardings," said the official.
