Strict action to be taken on unauthorized installations

In response to the recent hoarding collapse incident in Mumbai, Additional Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), Prashant Rode has mandated a comprehensive structural audit of all hoardings across the Thane municipal area, with a directive to furnish stability certificates to the municipal corporation within eight days. Additionally, immediate measures have been initiated to identify and address unauthorized and hazardous hoardings.

In a meeting convened to implement state government directives following the Mumbai tragedy, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao's instructions were diligently discussed. Deputy Commissioner of the Advertising Department, Dinesh Taide, and Assistant Commissioner Ranju Pawar, alongside representatives from advertising firms, convened under the chairmanship of Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode.

With 294 structures earmarked for hoarding installations in Thane, regular structural audits have been a norm. However, a fresh round of audits is now mandated, with companies instructed to procure stability certificates within the stipulated eight-day timeframe. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action, as outlined by Prashant Rode.

Moreover, hoardings surpassing approved dimensions are subject to rectification within the designated period, failing which the municipality will undertake removal procedures. Rode emphasized the imposition of fines on non-compliant entities.

In instances where hoarding height exceeds government regulations, immediate adjustments will be made. The Advertising Department is tasked with identifying hazardous installations and taking necessary action. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to locate and address any unauthorized hoardings within municipal limits.

Acknowledging hoardings under Central Railway and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation jurisdictions, Rode confirmed their intimation regarding the submission of stability certificates post-structural audits.