Pune PMC Cracks Down on Illegal Flex Boards in Warje Malwadi; Returns Iron Frames to Installers
Pune Municipal Corporation removes illegal flex boards in Warje Malwadi but controversially returns iron frames to installers, raising questions about enforcement consistency.
Pune, October 4, 2025 — The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated action against illegal flex boards in Warje Malwadi, a locality known for unauthorized advertising that has long been a concern for residents. On October 4, PMC’s Sky Sign Department conducted a drive to remove these illegal structures, which have been proliferating despite previous warnings and fines.
The operation targeted flex boards and banners installed along the stretch from Maruti Mandir to Aditya Garden. While the PMC successfully removed the flex material, a controversial aspect of the drive was the decision to return the iron frames used to support these boards to the individuals who had installed them. This move has raised eyebrows among residents and civic activists, who question the effectiveness of such actions in curbing illegal advertising practices.
Residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the PMC’s approach, noting that while the flex materials were removed, the return of the iron frames undermines the intent of the crackdown. “If the frames are returned, the same individuals can reinstall the boards, rendering the entire exercise futile,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
The PMC’s decision to return the frames has also drawn criticism from political leaders and activists, who argue that it reflects a lack of commitment to enforcing regulations consistently. “This selective enforcement sends the wrong message to the public and encourages others to flout the rules,” remarked a city-based activist.
In response to the criticism, PMC officials have stated that the return of the frames was an administrative decision aimed at avoiding unnecessary disputes. However, they assured that future actions would be more stringent and that the department would explore legal avenues to prevent the reinstallation of such illegal structures.
The controversy in Warje Malwadi highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the PMC in managing unauthorized advertising in the city. Despite previous drives and fines, illegal flex boards continue to be a common sight, prompting calls for more effective and consistent enforcement of regulations.
As the debate continues, residents and civic groups are urging the PMC to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal advertising and to ensure that all materials, including supporting structures, are confiscated and not returned to violators. They emphasize that only through strict and consistent enforcement can the city hope to address the menace of illegal flex boards and maintain its aesthetic and environmental integrity.
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