PMRDA Commissioner Issues Final Ultimatum to Unauthorised Hoarding Owners in Pune
In a decisive move to curb urban disfigurement and enhance public safety, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari on Monday issued a final ultimatum to owners of unauthorised hoardings. He directed them to obtain necessary permissions or face removal starting this week, marking a critical step in the authority's crackdown on illegal advertising structures across the region.
Strict Action and New Online System Announced
During a meeting with officials from the encroachment removal department, Chaudhari emphasized that this would be the last opportunity for hoarding owners to regularise their structures. "This is the final chance for unauthorised hoarding owners to complete the due permission process and bring their structures into compliance," he stated firmly. The directive comes amid a significant surge in unauthorised hoardings reported in key talukas such as Mulshi, Maval, Haveli, Khed, and Shirur within PMRDA limits.
Officials highlighted that they have received numerous complaints from residents concerned about the risks posed by unregulated hoardings, including potential accidents and visual clutter. In response, Chaudhari announced the introduction of a fully online and transparent permission system designed to streamline approvals and ensure accountability. Under this new mechanism, every authorised hoarding will be required to carry a QR code and be mapped through geofencing for effective monitoring.
Enforcement Measures and Upcoming Meeting
Chaudhari instructed officials to implement several key measures to enforce compliance:
- Ensure a transparent online approval system is operational without delay.
- Remove illegal hoardings within the stipulated deadlines.
- Initiate legal action against repeat violators to deter future infractions.
- Expedite the processing of incomplete proposals, provided they include proper documentation and fee payments.
Another senior PMRDA official added that applicants with pending proposals due to technical errors or unpaid fees have been given a final opportunity to submit complete applications and settle required charges. Those who have already received notices but fail to remove illegal hoardings will face demolition during a special drive scheduled to commence later this week.
To address concerns and clarify the administration's stance, the PMRDA has scheduled a special meeting with hoarding owners on Thursday at the commissioner's office in Akurdi. Authorities have made it clear that strict enforcement actions will follow this meeting, underscoring their commitment to maintaining urban aesthetics and safety standards in Pune.
