Mumbai-based environmental NGO Awaaz Foundation has formally requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to personally intervene against the proposed Maharashtra Maritime Board (Regulation of Display of Advertisements) Regulations 2026. The organization has raised serious concerns over light pollution, biodiversity loss, and the visual defacement of the state's coastline.
Objections to Advertisement Provisions
In a letter dated May 9, Awaaz Foundation founder Sumaira Abdulali objected to provisions that permit various forms of advertising along coastal areas under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Maritime Board. These include illuminated boards, LED displays, laser shows, hot-air balloons, and aerial advertising.
Environmental and Health Impacts
The NGO argued that unrestricted advertising could severely impact migratory birds, mangroves, marine ecosystems, and public health. The increased light pollution may disrupt sleep cycles and pose road safety risks due to bright or moving digital displays. The foundation demanded the withdrawal of the notification and called for public consultations, personal hearings, and stricter regulations on brightness, animation, placement, and size of advertisements.
Global Examples Cited
In its letter, the NGO cited examples from global cities such as New York City and Tokyo, where illuminated advertisements are restricted to designated commercial zones. The letter stated: "We hereby object to the subject notification for the detrimental effects it would have on environment and biodiversity, climate and human health. We submit that although display of advertisements in places of scenic beauty and light pollution from advertisements have detrimental effects on all of these, these issues are completely ignored even though climate and environment, health, and road safety are stated as being amongst the top-most priorities of the Government of Maharashtra."
The foundation further noted that the government has emphasized protecting against all types of environmental harm. However, in the absence of any scientific report on the effects of advertisements in scenic coastal areas and light pollution, the NGO strongly objects to the notification. It also requested a personal hearing and an opportunity to make detailed submissions before the concerned authorities.
Background of the Regulations
In April, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) notified the Regulation of Display of Advertisements Regulations, 2026, allowing commercial advertisements on coastal hoardings, hot-air balloons, vessels, barges, and floatels. The policy aims to monetize MMB assets through a transparent bidding process, but local resident groups have raised objections regarding urban aesthetics. The policy covers hoardings, digital and electronic boards, neon signage, banners and posters on MMB land, vessel-based ads, and floating structures.
