Civic body loses revenue as illegal hoardings continue to deface city

CBD BELAPUR: Despite the Bombay high court (HC) orders, more than 2,000 hoardings were put up during Diwali in 111 wards of the civic body, said a civic official. “Once the festival is over, as was the case with this Diwali, the civic officials do the rounds of the city and removed the hoardings at their own cost,” said an NMMC official, on condition of anonymity.

A social worker, requesting anonymity, said, “Despite complaints against illegal hoardings, no action is taken.”

He added, “The NMMC is losing out on thousands of rupees in revenue due to these illegal hoardings, which are also defacing the city. Nobody seems to care though.”

According to the NMMC official, “The moment we remove an illegal hoarding, there is pressure from the concerned corporator or some office bearer, which delays action,” said an NMMC official, on condition of anonymity.

He added, “Several people in the anti-encroachment squad have personnel, who are closely connected to some corporators and political leaders. Hence, the hoardings of these powerful people which are put up during festivals, birthdays and other events, are not touched.”

“Action is taken only when small-time party workers put up such hoardings,” said the official.

MORE THAN 2,000 HOARDINGS WERE PUT UP DURING DIWALI IN 111 WARDS OF THE CIVIC BODY, SAID A CIVIC OFFICIAL