The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has removed 52,448 unauthorised banners, flex boards and posters across Mumbai between January 1 and October 16, while considering mandatory QR codes to help verify authorised advertising displays. The civic body has also begun legal action against people and agencies responsible for putting up illegal advertisements.
During a special drive conducted from October 8 to 16, BMC teams seized 3,537 unauthorised advertising materials, including banners, boards, posters and flags. The action forms part of the civic administration’s effort to prevent public spaces from being defaced by unapproved displays.
Four first information reports have been registered based on complaints filed by the BMC’s licensing department. Written complaints in 333 other cases have also been sent to various police stations for further action, according to the civic body.
The proposed QR-code system would allow citizens and officials to check whether an advertising board has the required authorisation. The BMC is considering the measure as part of efforts to distinguish permitted advertisements from illegal banners and hoardings.
At a monthly review meeting of civic officers, municipal commissioner Ashwini Bhide said the campaign would require coordination between the licensing, maintenance and encroachment removal departments, along with other civic departments. She also sought cooperation from political parties and elected representatives.
The campaign follows an initiative announced by Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde titled ‘Shadu Bappa Ten Days – Flex-Free Mumbai 365 Days’. Tawde has also participated in the removal of unauthorised flex banners, posters and stickers.
The BMC has directed officials to remove illegal hoardings promptly after receiving complaints from citizens. Bhide has additionally instructed officials to act against printers and agencies producing advertisements without the necessary permissions, extending enforcement beyond the people who install the displays.
Unauthorised banners, posters and hoardings placed in public areas can attract action under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995. The law provides for imprisonment of up to three months or a fine, as applicable. The civic administration’s next steps include continued removal drives, police action on complaints and further consideration of QR-based verification for authorised advertising boards.
