Pune: Dangerous hoardings removed in Wagholi amid rising concerns
Pune: Dangerous hoardings removed in Wagholi amid rising concerns (Representational pic)
In a swift response to the alarming incidents of hoarding collapses, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) authorities have taken decisive action in Wagholi, Pune. Out of 491 hoardings inspected, 11 particularly dangerous ones have been removed under the jurisdiction of the Wagholi – Nagar Road Regional Office. License Inspector Ganesh Bharti confirmed that the operation is still ongoing. Despite prior official and structural audits, these hoardings collapsed, prompting further scrutiny and action.
Over the past month, six hoarding collapses in Mumbai and Pune have resulted in significant casualties, with Mumbai witnessing 16 fatalities and over 50 injuries. In Pune, although no lives were lost, three people were injured, and two cars and two bikes were damaged in the Wagholi area.
Key Points to Remember:
• Six hoarding collapses in Mumbai and Pune resulted in 16 deaths in Mumbai and over 50 injuries.
• 11 dangerous hoardings have been removed in Wagholi, with efforts continuing.
• State and municipal authorities have ordered the removal of unauthorized and dangerous hoardings.
• Citizens are urged to report hazardous hoardings for inspection and removal.
• Current weather conditions increase the risk, necessitating the removal of flexes from hoardings.
The state government has mandated the removal of unauthorized and dangerous hoardings. The PMC Commissioner has echoed this directive, ordering the removal of such hoardings within seven days. Following these directives, five hoardings in Lohgaon and six in Wagholi and Kharadi have already been removed.
The recurring incidents have heightened public awareness and concern regarding the structural integrity of hoardings. Citizens are now demanding comprehensive structural audits of all hoardings to prevent future mishaps. Residents are encouraged to report any hoardings they deem hazardous. Ganesh Bharti has assured that these reports will be promptly investigated and necessary actions will be taken.
The region is currently experiencing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, exacerbating the risk of hoarding collapses. The torn flexes from hoardings often end up on electrical wires, causing power outages. Authorities have instructed the removal of these flexes to mitigate further risks. Consequently, many hoardings now appear as skeletal frames, stripped of their advertising material for safety reasons.
Stay informed and report any hazardous hoardings to ensure the safety of all residents.
