Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Enforces Strict Hoarding Safety Rules
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken decisive action to enhance public safety by making third-party insurance compulsory for every hoarding installed within its jurisdiction. This critical decision was announced during a monthly review meeting on Thursday, chaired by BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, and attended by senior civic officials and representatives from all empanelled advertising agencies.
Tragic Incident Prompts Immediate Regulatory Overhaul
The new regulations come as a direct response to a devastating incident that occurred on Tuesday in Aiginia, near the Aiginia Durga Mandap. Two individuals lost their lives when a hoarding collapsed on them during gusty winds, while a woman sustained injuries in the same accident. Subsequent investigations revealed that the hoarding had been installed illegally by a private agency without obtaining mandatory approvals or structural safety certification.
Following the tragedy, BMC lodged a formal police complaint against the responsible agency. This led to the arrest of Sambit Mohanty, an employee of the agency who was directly responsible for erecting the structure at the unauthorized location. The incident has highlighted significant gaps in current safety protocols and enforcement mechanisms.
Comprehensive Safety Framework Implemented
Beyond the insurance mandate, BMC has introduced a comprehensive set of safety requirements for all advertising agencies operating within the city. Agencies must now submit structural stability certificates for each hoarding they install, along with detailed documentation covering maintenance schedules, inspection practices, and specific safety measures implemented.
Commissioner Chanchal Rana emphasized the corporation's unwavering commitment to public safety, stating, "Public safety cannot be compromised. Agencies will be held accountable for negligent installations." The civic body has directed agencies to conduct thorough reviews of all existing hoardings, report their current condition, and clearly display the firm's name on any damaged structures.
Additional Safety Directives and Community Response
BMC has issued several additional directives to prevent future accidents. Agencies must immediately remove any torn or loose flex material from hoardings, and structures located in vulnerable areas might need to be completely dismantled. These measures aim to address potential hazards before they result in further tragedies.
The community response to the incident has been significant. On Wednesday, residents of Dumduma blocked a portion of National Highway-16, demanding justice and immediate action against those responsible for the fatal collapse. The protest caused substantial traffic congestion on the busy Kolkata-Chennai corridor, with demonstrators alleging negligence by civic authorities and calling for compensation and arrests.
Police intervention eventually cleared the blockade, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi subsequently announced ex-gratia payments for the families of the victims. This combination of regulatory action and community advocacy underscores the urgent need for improved safety standards in urban infrastructure management.
