Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: BMC asks Railways to remove all oversized hoardings

Ghatkopar hoarding collapse site/ Sameer Markande

Following the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, which resulted in 14 fatalities, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) sent notifications to the Central and Western Railway authorities. These notices, issued under Section 30 (2) (V) of the Disaster Management Act of 2005, direct railways to remove hoardings larger than 40x40 feet in size.

Given Mumbai's coastline position and weather conditions, the BMC has decided to limit the size of hoardings to 40x40 feet for increased safety, reported PTI.

According to the report, the BMC release stated, "Taking into consideration the geographical position of Mumbai, the coastal region, its weather and wind conditions, the civic body has decided not to permit the erection of hoardings larger than 40x40 feet in size."

The Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident--wherein a 120x120-foot billboard fell on a petrol pump in Ghatkopar's Chheda Nagar killing 16 persons and injuring many--happened on land under the control of the Government Railway Police (GRP).

In reaction to the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, the BMC initiated a campaign to remove illegal and hazardous hoardings throughout the city. Three unauthorised hoardings on GRP land in Ghatkopar are currently being dismantled promptly.

Despite the problems faced by heavy winds, the BMC hopes to destroy two of the hoardings by Thursday night, putting safety first in the face of inclement weather.

"The three hoardings at Chheda Nagar will be demolished, taking the wind speed into consideration," the BMC said.

In addition, the BMC responded to citizen concerns about a big hoarding outside Malad railway station, swiftly removing it following social media complaints.

Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Notice issued to Ego Media

M/s Ego Media has received a notice for building the hoarding that collapsed on the gas station during Monday evening's severe winds. According to authorities, eight people were murdered and over 70 were injured in the incident, said PTI.

"The BMC has asked the ad agency to remove the remaining three hoardings immediately for not having valid permission," an official said, reported PTI.

The Assistant Police Commissioner (Admin) granted permission to install four hoardings on behalf of the Commissioner of Railway Police in Mumbai, including the one that collapsed on Monday. However, no official approval or NOC was sought from the BMC, according to PTI.