The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has reduced the annual no-advertisement period for iron hoarding structures from 60 days to 15 days this year, following strong opposition from hoarding owners in 2025. The decision came after a meeting between civic officials and representatives of the hoarding owners' association.
New Circular Issued
Under a fresh circular issued by the civic body, hoarding owners have been instructed to remove all advertisement displays from May 15 to June 1. This precautionary measure aims to prevent accidents caused by strong winds during pre-monsoon activity or unseasonal rain.
Safety Concerns
Civic officials explained that gusty winds are common during this period, increasing the risk of hoarding collapses if flex boards remain mounted on iron structures. The reduced period still allows for safety while minimizing financial losses for owners.
Meeting and Mutual Decision
Rajesh Agale, deputy municipal commissioner and head of PCMC's sky sign department, stated that a meeting was held on April 21, led by joint city engineer Manoj Lonkar. The meeting included civic officials and representatives of the hoarding owners' association. "It was mutually decided that instead of 60 days, hoardings would remain without ads for 15 days so that owners do not suffer major financial losses," Agale said.
Preventive Measures
Owners were also asked to take preventive measures, such as creating holes in flex boards mounted on iron structures to allow wind to pass through, even before May 15. They were advised to undertake regular maintenance and structural stability checks during the period to ensure hoardings remain safe.
Previous Compliance Issues
Last year, the civic body had directed hoarding owners to remove ads from April 15 to June 15. However, compliance was poor, with many owners citing financial losses as they had paid annual civic fees but were unable to display advertisements.
