BMC to Conduct State-Mandated Audit of Outdoor Advertisements in Mumbai

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government has instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to conduct a thorough audit of all outdoor advertising hoardings across Mumbai. This order follows growing concerns over unpermitted installations, particularly after local legislators raised issues during a recent legislative session. The findings of the audit are expected to be presented during the upcoming legislative session in July.

Several MLAs, including BJP's Ameet Satam, pointed out discrepancies, especially regarding hoardings that were installed without the necessary permits. Satam specifically highlighted a hoarding at the Mulund Toll Naka, which had incurred fines for violating regulations. The hoarding was authorized by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), but lacked the required approvals from BMC.

Industries Minister Uday Samant acknowledged the issues and pointed out a significant flaw in the system. He mentioned that while BMC imposes a daily penalty of just Rs 1,000 for illegal hoardings, these hoardings generate daily rental income of up to Rs 35,000. Samant emphasized that contractors must secure all the necessary approvals, as per MSRDC's tender requirements.

Further concerns were raised by MLAs Yogesh Sagar and Parag Alvani, who discussed the fragmented approval process involving various organizations like the Airport Authority and MSRDC. Alvani proposed changes to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act to introduce criminal penalties for violations, while Satam demanded an FIR against the contractor responsible for the illegal Mulund hoarding. Samant assured that an FIR would be filed, and the audit process would continue as planned.