Despite Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) claims of removing illegal hoardings and taking action against them, the reality appears quite different. Hoardings can still be seen on almost every road and road divider in the city. According to PMC, they have demolished 97 hoardings and issued notices to the owners of 236 hoardings in the last two months.
Meanwhile, residents are expressing concerns as these illegal hoardings not only contribute to visual pollution but also cause traffic congestion. Recent incidents of hoarding collapses, such as the one in Mumbai's Ghatkopar where nearly 20 people died, have heightened these concerns. Haresh Bharwani, a resident of Kalyani Nagar, commented, "Nowadays, it's become fashionable to put up hoardings for everything, even for birthdays.
These hoardings are erected by ex-corporators, MLAs, and political parties. They pose a risk to commuters. PMC claims they are taking action, but from Kalyani Nagar to Pune Airport, the entire stretch is filled with illegal hoardings.
Worst of all, these hoardings are mounted on metro pillars, which is illegal, yet rules are being flouted and the civic body fails to take action against them." "We have reached out to PMC so many times, and our issue remains unresolved. We even posted our grievance on PMC Care, but no action has been taken," added Bharwani.
Another resident shared, "Last year, there was a hoarding on Sinhgad Road. I didn't notice it and got badly injured on my forehead, which still hurts..