Ranchi: Following two consecutive days of intense storms and heavy rainfall that raised safety concerns over large outdoor advertisements, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has initiated a citywide structural audit and enforcement drive targeting unsafe and illegal hoardings and monopoles.
The action comes days after a monopole advertisement structure collapsed near a mall on Kanke Road during a storm, while another rooftop hoarding fell in the Piska More area amid strong winds. Although no major injuries were reported, the incidents highlighted the increasing risk posed by aging and unauthorized advertising structures during extreme weather conditions.
The civic body stated that approximately 800 authorized advertising structures, including nearly 200 monopoles, are currently installed across the city. All registered structures will now undergo technical and structural inspections to evaluate their strength, foundation stability, installation quality, compliance with approved designs, and maintenance standards.
RMC officials have formed a special inspection team headed by Deputy Municipal Commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu to carry out the verification drive across all wards.
“Public safety is our highest priority. Every advertising structure installed in the city must comply with structural and technical safety norms. Unsafe and illegal hoardings will be removed immediately, and strict action will be taken against the responsible agencies,” Sahu said.
The corporation has issued notices to all registered advertising agencies, directing them to submit structural stability certificates issued by authorized structural engineers within seven days. Officials admitted that despite earlier instructions, only two agencies have submitted the required strength reports so far.
In an official statement, RMC warned that submission of a structural safety certificate would not legalize unauthorized hoardings. “Illegal advertisement structures will continue to face removal action as per rules. The corporation will not compromise with citizens’ safety under any circumstances,” the statement said.
The civic body also cautioned building owners who allow rooftop hoardings without proper structural assessment, stating that they would be held responsible in case of accidents or damage during storms.
