Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Civic Body Issues Stern 24-Hour Ultimatum on Illegal Hoardings
The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has taken a firm stance against the proliferation of illegal hoardings across the city. On Monday, the civic body issued a strict 24-hour ultimatum to politicians and various organizations, demanding the voluntary removal of all unauthorized advertisements or facing severe criminal consequences.
Legal Action Under Maharashtra Statutes
The municipal corporation has explicitly stated that failure to comply will result in criminal proceedings being initiated under two key pieces of legislation: the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995 and the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1949. The warning extends even further, with officials indicating that culpable homicide charges could be invoked if any damage or loss of life occurs due to these illegal structures.
Tragic Incident Sparks Crackdown
This decisive action comes in the wake of a tragic incident on February 21, when a 27-year-old civic worker was electrocuted while attempting to remove an illegal hoarding in the Mukundwadi area. The fatality has underscored the urgent need for addressing public safety hazards posed by these unauthorized installations.
Municipal Commissioner's Appeal
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Commissioner G Sreekanth made a public appeal, stating: "We appeal to everyone concerned to immediately remove hoardings, banners, posters, greeting boards that have been illegally placed on electricity poles, roadsides, public places, and at any dangerous or risky places within the municipal limits."
The civic administration emphasized that these measures are essential for maintaining both the safety and aesthetic appeal of the city. Officials noted that illegal hoardings have proliferated across various parts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar following the announcement of municipal poll results and during the recent Shiv Jayanti celebrations, in clear violation of existing regulations.
Political Support for Action
Congress city and district general secretary Vishal Banswal expressed strong support for the crackdown, urging the civic body to act without fear or favor. "Besides posing a threat to public safety, these unauthorized hoardings are defacing the city known as the tourism capital of Maharashtra. These hoardings are leaving a very bad image of the city in the eyes of tourists, including foreigners," Banswal remarked.
The municipal corporation's comprehensive approach includes:
- Immediate removal of all illegal advertising materials
- Strict enforcement of property defacement laws
- Potential homicide charges for safety violations
- Preservation of the city's tourism appeal
This crackdown represents one of the most significant efforts in recent years to address the longstanding issue of illegal hoardings in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, balancing public safety concerns with urban aesthetics in Maharashtra's prominent tourism destination.
