The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has removed 52,448 unauthorised banners, flex boards, posters and other publicity materials across Mumbai between January 1 and October 16, 2026, while expanding legal action against those defacing public spaces, according to an official statement cited by Mid-Day.
The civic body seized 3,537 unauthorised publicity materials during a special drive conducted from October 8 to 16. The seized items included banners, boards, posters and flags. The BMC said four first information reports have been registered, while written complaints in 333 other cases have been sent to police stations for further legal action.
BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said the action against unauthorised advertisements would continue throughout the year instead of being limited to the festive season. She said the campaign was intended to prevent the defacement of Mumbai’s public spaces.
Bhide made the remarks during a monthly review meeting of the civic body’s departments at the Command and Control Centre in Worli. She directed officials from the Licensing Department, Maintenance Department, Encroachment Removal Department and other relevant departments to participate in the campaign and take prompt action when unauthorised publicity materials are identified.
The campaign follows Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde’s announcement of a special initiative titled “Shadu Bappa Ten Days – FlexFree Mumbai 365 Days”. According to the BMC, Tawde has also participated personally in removing illegal publicity materials. The civic body has sought cooperation from political parties and elected representatives to prevent the recurrence of unauthorised banners, posters and stickers.
The BMC is also considering making QR codes mandatory for authorised advertising hoardings. The proposed system would allow citizens and officials to verify whether a hoarding has the required permission and distinguish authorised advertisements from illegal ones. The proposal has not been described as an implemented rule in the information supplied by the civic body.
Bhide further instructed officials to take action against printing presses and agencies producing publicity materials without the necessary permissions. The civic body said unauthorised hoardings should be removed promptly after complaints are received from citizens, with the year-round campaign intended to prevent illegal advertisements from returning after removal.
Under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995, violations may attract imprisonment of up to three months or a fine, as applicable under the law. The BMC said it would continue legal and removal action against people placing unauthorised banners, posters and advertising boards in public places.
