The Mumbai civic body raised concerns about the dangers posed by massive billboards in the city, emphasizing risks to public safety. In a submission to the Supreme Court, they highlighted issues such as structural stability and potential hazards during calamities like cyclones or earthquakes. The move highlights growing awareness regarding urban infrastructure challenges and the need for stricter regulations in India’s commercial hubs.
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) raised concerns about the potential dangers posed by large hoardings in Mumbai just two months before a tragic incident occurred in Ghatkopar, resulting in the loss of 16 lives.
This matter regarding the permission granted by the Railways for such hoardings had previously been brought before the Bombay High Court.
In 2017, a petition filed by the Western Railway and others, seeking a declaration from the court that BMC‘s permission, not required for hoardings placed on railway land.
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The court, comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Shinde, ruled in favour of the Railways, stating that the relevant sections of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act did not apply to billboards put up by the Railway authorities. The BMC subsequently challenged this ruling in the Supreme Court, which currently reviewing the case.
In March 2024, an affidavit by Anil Kate, Superintendent of Licence, highlighted the BMC’s concern,
“Railway Authorities are issuing permits for oversized billboards next to railway lines adjacent to municipal roads, with sizes like 120ft by 120ft and 80ft by 80ft, without adequate consideration for public safety.”
The affidavit further clarified that,
“In consideration of pedestrian and traffic safety, the Corporation is limiting billboard sizes to a maximum of 40ft by 40ft.”
The affidavit noted,
“The Railways are permitting the installation of hoardings that encroach upon municipal roads and footpaths.”
According to the affidavit, it specifically mentioned a “gigantic” hoarding near the Kala Nagar area in Bandra, measuring 120ft by 122ft, among others, which “contributes to an unaesthetic view of the area,”
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The BMC expressed that the assortment of hoardings with varying sizes along the road, causing distractions for motorists.
The plea filed by the BMC will be presented for further consideration on September 11 before Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and PB Varale.