In his 2016 book The Great Derangement , author Amitav Ghosh issued a dire warning: “The thousands of billboards that encrust Mumbai” would turn into “deadly projectiles” in the event of a major storm. Such a scenario may have seemed improbable to many. Yet nearly a decade on, disaster struck on May 13 this year, when a colossus 120x120 foot advertising hoarding came crashing down during a Mumbai thunderstorm, claiming 16 lives.
The spot in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, where a large hoarding came crashing down, killing 16 people. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT) The tragedy starkly exposed the perilous and unregulated nature of these towering structures, proving that Ghosh’s grim prophecy is not so far- fetched after all. As the author himself posted on social media, “the recent storm was nowhere near as damaging as a major cyclone would be.
Mumbai really needs to cut back drastically on billboards”. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India's general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Eight illegal billboards at Tilak Bridge in Dadar East: BMC The proliferation of large billboards is not confined to Mumbai alone — reports of hoardings and billboards collapsing during rains and storms, causing damage and power outages, is common across the country.
Despite complaints, little action has been taken to address these hazards. Many perceive the surge in giant outdoor advertisements also as contributors to chaotic cityscapes. Pedestrians and motorists .
