PMC Launches Multi-Team Crackdown on Illegal Hoardings Across Pune: Safety, Revenue and Urban Aesthetics in Focus

Pune Municipal Corporation deploys five special teams to inspect and remove illegal hoardings citywide, enhancing safety and urban aesthetics while enforcing civic law.

Pune| February 12, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched an intensified citywide crackdown on illegal hoardings by deploying five dedicated inspection teams to identify and remove unauthorised outdoor advertising structures. The enforcement drive, initiated on February 12, 2026, aims to address growing concerns related to public safety, traffic hazards, revenue loss, and visual clutter across Maharashtra’s second-largest city. Civic officials confirmed that the special teams will conduct systematic inspections in multiple zones, targeting hoardings that lack proper permissions, exceed approved dimensions, or violate municipal advertising guidelines.

Illegal hoardings have increasingly become a matter of serious concern in Pune, especially along busy arterial roads, commercial hubs, and rapidly developing suburban corridors. Unauthorised billboards not only disrupt the aesthetic appeal of the city but also pose significant risks during adverse weather conditions. In several Indian cities, poorly constructed hoardings have collapsed during heavy rain and strong winds, leading to injuries and fatalities. Such incidents have prompted municipal authorities nationwide to tighten regulations, and Pune is now taking proactive steps to prevent similar tragedies.

Officials overseeing the drive stated that each inspection team is equipped to verify documentation on-site, cross-check permits digitally, and measure structural compliance. Advanced tools, including geo-tagging and digital imagery verification, are being used to determine whether hoardings were erected legally and whether they conform to approved specifications. Structures found to be in violation are being removed immediately, with penalties and removal costs recovered from the respective owners or advertising agencies. Civic authorities have made it clear that repeat offenders will face stricter action under applicable municipal laws.

On the first day of the drive, multiple hoardings were inspected in eastern Pune localities, and several unauthorised structures were dismantled. Officials indicated that this is only the beginning of a sustained enforcement campaign that will continue across all administrative wards. The corporation has also warned property owners and advertisers to regularise pending permissions or voluntarily remove non-compliant hoardings to avoid punitive action.

Beyond safety concerns, the crackdown is expected to strengthen municipal revenue collection. Licensed hoardings contribute significantly to civic income through advertisement fees and annual permits. Illegal structures, however, deprive the civic body of legitimate revenue while creating unfair competition for compliant advertisers. By eliminating unauthorised displays, PMC aims to create a level playing field for businesses while ensuring that advertising spaces are regulated and accountable.

Urban planners and citizen groups have welcomed the move, stating that unchecked hoardings have long contributed to visual pollution and distracted motorists, particularly at traffic junctions and highways connecting Pune to Mumbai and other major cities. Experts note that excessive outdoor advertising can reduce driver attention span and increase the likelihood of road mishaps. In a city experiencing rapid urban expansion and rising vehicular density, regulated signage is crucial for maintaining orderly traffic management and public safety standards.

The civic administration has reiterated its commitment to sustained monitoring rather than one-time action. Authorities are reportedly working on strengthening the approval and monitoring framework to prevent illegal hoardings from reappearing after removal. Regular audits, citizen reporting mechanisms, and stricter scrutiny of advertising licences are expected to form part of the long-term strategy.

As Pune continues to grow as an IT, education, and commercial hub, maintaining an organised and safe urban landscape remains a priority. The deployment of five dedicated enforcement teams signals a firm administrative stance against violations and underscores the importance of civic compliance. If implemented consistently, the initiative could significantly improve city aesthetics, enhance commuter safety, and boost municipal governance standards.

In conclusion, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s latest enforcement drive represents a strong and structured effort to tackle the persistent issue of illegal hoardings. With technology-backed inspections, financial penalties, and ongoing monitoring, the civic body aims to ensure that outdoor advertising remains lawful, safe, and visually balanced in one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing urban centres.

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