Ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti, on 14 Apr 2025, illegal flex and hoarding boards can be seen everywhere in Pune. Such hoardings are not only an eyesore but also pose a threat to commuters and hinder traffic. Residents of Pune are concerned and blamed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for not doing enough to remove illegal hoardings.
Raj Singh, a resident, wrote a letter to the Chief Minister appealing that immediate action be taken against the perpetrators, including the removal of all unauthorized hoardings, registration of FIRs against the advertisers, advertising agencies, and property owners, and imposition of penalties and fines as per the relevant laws and regulations.
“I am writing to bring to your attention the rampant installation of unauthorized hoardings across Pune. These hoardings are not only an eyesore but also a serious threat to public safety and a blatant violation of the law,” said Raj Singh.
According to the Maharashtra Outdoor Advertising Policy, 2019, and the PMC bylaws require prior permission for installing hoardings. However, many hoardings have been installed without obtaining the necessary permissions, violating the Maharashtra Outdoor Advertising Policy, 2019, the PMC Act, 1982, the Bombay Outdoor Display and Hoardings Regulation Act, 1954, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Residents speak up
Manisha Sahu, another resident of Karve Nagar said, “Every corner of the streets and roads can be seen filled with illegal hoardings. These days, they have made this a trend—if there’s a birthday, they will put up a hoarding. For Ram Navami, the roads were flooded with posters, and now ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti, you can see hoardings everywhere. It has now become a trend.”
Prashant Thombare, the PMC Deputy Commissioner (Sky Sign and Licenses), said, “The civic administration also issued a public notice appealing to individuals and organizations to refrain from putting up such banners. We do regular inspections, and I will send someone to check and will take them off."
