Ranchi Municipal Corporation Issues Safety Directive for City Hoardings
In response to inclement weather conditions and growing safety concerns, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has issued a stringent directive requiring all advertising agencies to submit comprehensive structural strength reports for hoardings installed throughout the city. This proactive measure aims to identify and address dilapidated structures that could potentially endanger public safety during adverse weather events.
Official Notice and Immediate Requirements
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu formally issued the official notice on Wednesday, mandating that agencies conduct thorough inspections of both government and private hoardings. The directive stipulates that all aging, damaged, or structurally weak hoardings must either undergo immediate repairs or be completely removed within a strict one-week timeframe. Furthermore, agencies are now required to provide certified structural strength reports from qualified engineers both before installation and after any corrective actions are taken.
"All old, damaged or weak hoardings must either be repaired or removed within a week. A structural strength report from a certified engineer is mandatory both before and after installation," emphasized Sahu, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Triggering Incident and Broader Safety Concerns
This safety initiative was prompted by a recent incident in the Kadru area, where a portion of a sunshade was violently detached due to powerful winds. This event has amplified broader apprehensions regarding the stability of various overhead structures across Ranchi. "In view of the incident, organisations must submit proof of structural strength. If any hoarding is found unsafe during inspection, it must be fixed immediately or dismantled," Sahu added, highlighting the direct correlation between the Kadru occurrence and the new regulatory measures.
Legal Framework and Compliance Consequences
Municipal officials clarified that this directive aligns perfectly with the established provisions of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011, and the Jharkhand Municipal Advertisement Policy, 2020. These legislative frameworks explicitly mandate rigorous safety compliance for all public installations. Failure to adhere to these new requirements could render advertising agencies legally liable for any loss of life or property damage resulting from structural collapses.
Scale of the Problem and Potential Hazards
According to official RMC data, Ranchi currently hosts over 800 licensed hoardings, many of which are aging and have suffered significant wear and tear from prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions. Civic authorities have expressed serious concerns that without timely and decisive intervention, these structures could become extremely hazardous during seasonal storms and high-wind events, posing substantial risks to pedestrians and motorists alike.
Community Response and Resident Approval
Local residents have largely welcomed this administrative action, expressing relief that long-standing safety issues are finally being addressed. "During storms, these large hoardings shake dangerously. It is reassuring that the administration is finally taking action," stated Kashi Ram, a resident of Ashoknagar, echoing the sentiments of many citizens who have observed the precarious nature of these advertising structures during inclement weather.
The comprehensive safety drive represents a significant step toward enhancing urban safety standards in Ranchi, ensuring that public spaces remain secure against potential structural failures while holding responsible parties accountable for maintenance and compliance.
