The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised outdoor advertisements, removing 640 illegal banners and posters from Mumbai and its suburbs in a day as part of a citywide enforcement drive.
The operation was carried out by the BMC's Licence Department under the directions of Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr. Vipin Sharma and the guidance of Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special) Vinayak Vispute, according to an official statement issued by the civic body.
Among the 640 unauthorised displays removed, 336 were political banners, making them the largest category. The civic body also cleared 186 religious banners and posters related to religious personalities and events, while 118 commercial advertisements were taken down.
The special drive began on Wednesday, July 22, and forms part of the BMC's ongoing campaign to eliminate illegal hoardings, banners and posters from public spaces across Mumbai.
The BMC has urged citizens, social organisations and political parties not to install banners, hoardings or posters on roads, footpaths or other public spaces without obtaining prior permission from the civic authority.
Officials said the Licence Department regularly conducts inspections and takes action against unauthorised advertisements to ensure compliance with civic regulations.
According to the BMC, nearly 15,000 to 20,000 illegal hoardings, banners and posters are removed every year, with almost 45% linked to political birthday greetings and festive celebrations.
To address the recurring issue, the civic body introduced its Outdoor Advertisement Display Policy last year, making prior written permission mandatory for all outdoor advertisements.
Violators can face action under Section 471 of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, as well as the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995. The provisions allow for penalties, including fines of up to ₹2,000 and imprisonment of up to three months.
A similar enforcement drive is underway in neighbouring Thane following the collapse of an unauthorised birthday banner installed on a pedestrian bridge at Teen Hat Naka on July 13.
In response to the incident, Mayor Sharmila Pimpolkar directed the administration to remove all illegal hoardings across the city. Acting on the instructions of Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, the Thane Municipal Corporation launched a special campaign across all ward committee areas.
Over the past eight days, civic officials have removed 1,524 unauthorised posters, banners, flexes and hoardings. The corporation has also registered five criminal cases against individuals who allegedly violated advertisement regulations. Of these, two cases were filed in the Naupada-Kopri Ward Committee area, while three were registered in the Diva Ward Committee area.
The Thane Municipal Corporation said unauthorised banners and hoardings not only spoil the city's appearance but also pose serious risks to pedestrians and motorists. Advertisements placed on flyovers, pedestrian bridges, public squares and major roads can obstruct visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
Officials have stated that strict action against illegal outdoor advertisements will continue on a regular basis to ensure public safety and maintain urban aesthetics.
Ward-Wise Removal of Illegal Banners in Thane
During the ongoing campaign, the highest number of illegal advertisements was removed from the Naupada-Kopri Ward Committee, where 383 banners and posters were taken down. This was followed by:
The civic authorities have reiterated that the enforcement drive will continue across Mumbai and Thane to prevent illegal displays and improve public safety while ensuring compliance with advertising regulations.