Special Correspondent
Pimpri Chinchwad: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has imposed fines of up to Rs 25,000 on four builders for violating regulations related to unauthorised hoardings and flex displays. These builders had put up illegal advertisements at various locations across the city, defying the municipal corporation’s ban on unauthorized promotional material.
The PCMC had previously issued a directive prohibiting the erection of unauthorised hoardings, flexes, posters, and kiosks. The corporation warned that violators would face fines and criminal charges.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has instructed regional officers to take swift action against the unauthorized installation of arches, stages, flags, posters, and advertisements, both on private and public properties. In response, a crackdown on illegal hoardings, banners, and kiosks has been initiated across the city.
The PCMC’s decision to ban unauthorised displays stems from the growing problem of the city being cluttered with illegal birthday, congratulatory, and condolence flex banners. To address this, the corporation has not only banned all advertising hoardings but also discontinued its previous policy of granting permissions for such displays.
In line with the Maharashtra State Property Defacement Act 1995, along with relevant provisions under the Municipal Corporation Signboards and Advertisements Regulation and Control Rules, the PCMC has warned that violators will face both fines and potential criminal charges. These regulations are enforced under Section 3 of the Maharashtra State Property Defacement Act and Sections 244 (1) (2) (3) and 245 (1) (2) of the Maharashtra Act.
As part of its ongoing efforts to address illegal advertising, the Sky Signs and License Department is conducting a special campaign targeting unauthorised displays. During this campaign, they have fined over 3,348 establishments and construction businesses, collecting a total of Rs. 2.60 lakh in penalties. The department has stated that in the future, stricter actions, including criminal charges, will be taken against those who continue to violate the rules.
