Mumbai civic body orders removal of large hoardings after billboard tragedy
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Mumbai: Following the tragic incident in Ghatkopar where a massive hoarding collapsed, claiming 14 lives and injuring around 75 people, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken swift action to address the issue of oversized hoardings.
In response to the accident, the BMC has issued a notice to the Central and Western Railways administration, directing the immediate removal of irregularly shaped hoardings, especially those larger than 40x40 feet, from the railway administration's boundaries.
The BMC's decision stems from safety concerns related to Mumbai's geography and weather conditions. The financial capital's proximity to the coastline makes it susceptible to high winds, posing risks to large hoardings.
"In the light of this, as an additional measure to prevent accidents, the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) has directed the immediate removal of all advertising boards larger than 40x40 feet within the boundary of the railway administration," the notice stated.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue in Ghatkopar, where families anxiously await news of their missing loved ones. The collapse of the hoarding, which occurred during inclement weather, has complicated rescue operations, particularly due to the presence of a petrol pump beneath the debris.
Concerns have been raised regarding the accountability for the accident, with questions arising about the responsibility of the civic body, the railways, and Bhavesh Bhinde, the owner of Igo Media Company, which installed the hoarding in violation of regulations.
While the BMC is actively removing remaining illegal hoardings erected by Igo Media, law enforcement authorities are searching for Bhavesh Bhinde, who faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The tragic incident has underscored the need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing hoardings and advertising structures to ensure public safety in Mumbai.