200 illegal hoardings removed more than a week after Ganesh fest

Despite promising stern action against illegal posters, civic body failed to remove banners during fest

NAVI MUMBAI: In spite of warnings from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) about stern action against illegal hoardings in the city, over 200 illegal banners were removed one week after Ganeshotsav.

Data from two wards — Vashi and Airoli — have still not been submitted. Figures from these two nodes may increase the total number of illegal hoardings congesting the satellite city.

Before the festival began, the NMMC’s encroachment department warned stern action against any posters, banners put up during Ganeshotsav without prior permission. But illegal hoardings cropped up all over the city during Ganeshotsav.

The maximum number of illegal hoardings was removed from Turbhe. Of the 200 hoardings removed, 91 were from Turbhe.

The rules specify that to put up a hoarding, a no- objection certificate must be obtained from the deputy commissioner of police, traffic, before being approved by NMMC. The application requires details on the size of the hoarding and location to check whether it obstructs visibility of traffic-lights.

As a source of revenue, the civic body had allowed 251 hoardings to be put up across its jurisdiction. Letters were sent to all ward officers to book all the offenders and take immediate action. However, no action was taken against offenders. The first sign of action comes more than a week after the festival.

The civic body had removed 1,565 illegal banners and boards in 48 hours after the high court’s directive in March. The sustained campaign by ward officers had also showed a dip in the number of illegal hoardings in the city. However, the NMMC failed to take immediate action during this festive season.