Pune Police and PMC Launch Major Crackdown on Illegal Hoardings and Footpath Encroachments
The Pune city police and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are set to launch a comprehensive week-long drive starting Thursday to tackle the persistent issues of illegal hoardings, banners, and footpath encroachments across the city. This joint initiative aims to restore order and improve public safety by clearing obstructions that have long plagued urban spaces.
Zero Tolerance Policy Against Illegal Advertisements
Pune Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that illegal hoardings and banners will not be tolerated. "We will not tolerate illegal hoardings and banners in the city. These will be taken down immediately," Kumar stated. He further revealed that the authorities will file cases against individuals whose names or contact details appear on these unauthorized advertisements, holding them accountable for the violations.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas and Hawker Management
Special attention will be directed towards busy thoroughfares such as FC Road, JM Road, and Baner, where illegal hawking and encroachments are rampant. Kumar assured that continuous action will be taken against illegal hawkers operating on these roads, with a goal to clear footpaths within the next week. This move is expected to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce congestion.
PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram highlighted the scale of the hawker issue, noting, "There are over 22,000 hawkers in the city." He condemned illegal hoardings and banners as an eyesore, pledging their removal to improve the city's aesthetic appeal.
Structural Audits and Encroachment Removal
In addition to targeting illegal structures, Ram mentioned that there are approximately 3,000 legal hoardings in Pune. The PMC plans to conduct structural audits of these hoardings before the monsoon season to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
CP Kumar outlined further measures, stating that the police and PMC will identify open spaces in the city to relocate unclaimed vehicles currently parked on roads. "We will remove all encroachments from roads. It will help the police and the civic officials redress traffic bottlenecks," he explained, underscoring the drive's broader objective of alleviating traffic congestion and improving urban mobility.
This coordinated effort reflects a proactive approach by Pune's authorities to address longstanding urban challenges, promising a cleaner, safer, and more organized cityscape for residents and visitors alike.
