In Pune, repeated appeals from senior political leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have failed to curb the proliferation of illegal outdoor publicity materials. Banners, posters, and flex boards erected by various political parties, including the BJP, continue to mar the city's landscape across several areas.
PMC Launches Special Drive to Remove Unauthorized Displays
Most of these materials were displayed to congratulate newly elected representatives following recent election results. In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a special drive to dismantle these unauthorized displays. Civic officials have announced that legal action, including the registration of criminal cases, will be pursued in the coming days to address this persistent issue.
Massive Removal Efforts and Statistics
Civic authorities reported that more than 410 large boards and over 1,500 small banners were removed after the election results were announced. The special drive was conducted rigorously during the day, as well as in the evening and at night, to ensure comprehensive coverage. Similar cleanup operations were carried out earlier this month and last month, demonstrating PMC's ongoing commitment to maintaining urban aesthetics.
Following the implementation of the model code of conduct, the civic body removed nearly 10,000 illegal banners and posters, highlighting the scale of the problem. Madhav Jagtap, head of PMC's sky sign department, stated, "PMC has dedicated teams to remove such unauthorized materials. Further action will continue in the coming days."
Scope of the Cleanup Operation
The drive was executed by the civic body's sky sign and licensing departments, targeting a wide range of unauthorized installations. This included the removal of:
- Political flexes and banners
- Kiosks and stickers
- Hoardings and flags
- Signboards and wall advertisements
The action covered major intersections, arterial roads, public spaces, and areas surrounding government buildings, ensuring a thorough sweep of high-visibility locations.
Legal Framework and Penalties
A civic official revealed that the administration is in the process of registering offences related to the defacement of public property within municipal limits. Such violations are governed by the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995, which strictly prohibits unauthorized writing, painting, printing, or pasting of posters, banners, hoardings, or any activity that damages or defaces property visible to the public.
This Act applies to various public structures, including:
- Roads and walls
- Buildings and poles
- Fences and trees
Violations of the Act are punishable offences, with penalties including imprisonment of up to three months, a fine, or both. While municipal corporations enforce their own advertising and signage by-laws, the 1995 Act remains the primary legal framework across Maharashtra to prevent defacement of public property and uphold urban cleanliness.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Actions
Despite these efforts, the persistence of illegal political publicity materials underscores the challenges faced by civic authorities. The continued defacement of Pune's public spaces, even after high-level appeals, points to a need for stricter enforcement and greater accountability from political parties.
PMC's proactive measures, including round-the-clock removal drives and planned legal actions, aim to deter future violations and restore the city's visual appeal. As the crackdown intensifies, residents and officials alike hope for a more compliant approach from political entities to preserve Pune's urban integrity.
