Pune Municipal Corporation Intensifies Action Against Illegal Hoardings; 27 Cases Filed

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) escalates crackdown on unauthorized banners and hoardings, filing 27 cases and 71 complaints under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.

Pune | October 10, 2025 — The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its efforts to combat the proliferation of unauthorized banners, hoardings, and flex boards across the city. In a significant move, the civic body registered 27 police cases and filed 71 complaints against individuals and organizations responsible for defacing public property. These actions are in accordance with the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995.

The crackdown was initiated following directives from Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, who emphasized the need for stringent enforcement to maintain the city’s aesthetic and public safety. The PMC’s Sky Sign Department and Anti-Encroachment Wing have been actively involved in identifying and removing illegal installations. Fines ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹50,000 are being imposed, depending on the size and nature of the defacement.

Areas such as Bhavani Peth and Ghole Road have been identified as hotspots for illegal hoardings, with these locations witnessing a significant number of complaints. In contrast, some wards have reported no such violations, indicating inconsistencies in enforcement across different regions.

Despite these efforts, civic activists have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the PMC’s actions. They point out that while fines are being levied, the establishment of designated advertising zones, which could provide legal avenues for such displays, remains pending. A previous plan to create 150 such zones has not been implemented, leading to continued violations and public dissatisfaction.

Residents and community groups have also expressed frustration over the ongoing issue. In areas like Viman Nagar, citizens took matters into their own hands, removing unauthorized hoardings after repeated complaints to the PMC went unaddressed. This grassroots initiative highlights the urgency felt by the public regarding the defacement of their neighborhoods.

The PMC has urged all stakeholders, including political parties, event organizers, and advertising agencies, to adhere to the established guidelines and obtain necessary permissions before erecting any public displays. The civic body has also mandated that printers display their names on banners to facilitate accountability and traceability.

As the city prepares for upcoming festivals and events, the PMC’s crackdown serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining public spaces free from unauthorized advertisements. The success of this initiative will depend on consistent enforcement, public cooperation, and the timely establishment of legal advertising zones to balance civic aesthetics with the need for public expression.

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