Pune Activist Criticizes PMC’s Reluctance To Develop Pune-Centric Policy On Advertisements and Banners

Citizen activist Qaneez-e-Fatemah Sukhrani raises concerns about the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) failure to create a Pune-centric policy on advertisements, banners, and related actions. She questions why PMC is hesitant to frame such a policy in line with the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation (Regulation and Control of the Display of Sky Signs and Advertisements) Rules 2022.

As a petitioner, she regularly writes to both PMC and the State Government, highlighting the grave concern over the non-compliance with the law and High Court orders. In a recent meeting on June 12, 2024, she was assured that PMC would develop a policy based on the aforementioned rules issued by the State Government on May 9, 2022. However, she seeks updates on the progress of this policy, emphasizing its importance for ensuring that the Skysign Department and Ward Offices cannot avoid taking necessary actions.

Sukhrani criticizes PMC’s lack of inclination to adhere to any rules, policies, or guidelines, accusing it of removing illegal skysigns using public funds without holding violators accountable. She references a detailed Bombay High Court order from January 31, 2017, related to PIL no. 249 of 2014, which addresses illegal skysigns including flexes, banners, posters, arches, and hoardings, specifying the accountability of each authority and department.

She notes recent actions taken against illegal hoardings following the Ghatkopar crash but points out that attention has shifted away from illegal flex boards, which are rampant and pose significant danger due to their flimsy construction. These boards, which the Bombay High Court has termed “chamchagiri boards,” cannot be permitted and are installed at numerous junctions, posing a hazard especially during monsoons.

Sukhrani highlights an article from the Times of India dated May 15, 2024, which discusses the failure of civic bodies to address the issue of illegal hoardings. She reports that in just one square kilometer of Viman Nagar, there are about 50 of these illegal flexes, sharing photos as evidence. She questions why she must continually remind the PMC to fulfill their duties and maintain accountability.

Furthermore, she expresses shock that the Honorable Guardian Minister and Deputy Chief Minister do not instruct PMC on these matters during their weekly visits.