Maharashtra housing authority finds 60 out of 62 hoardings in Mumbai lack approval

MUMBAI: A recent field survey conducted by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) on its premises in Mumbai revealed a significant number of unauthorized hoardings. The survey found that out of 62 hoardings, 60 were installed without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from MHADA.
This survey was prompted by a tragic incident on May 13, where a hoarding collapse caused by strong winds and heavy rains in Mumbai's Ghatkopar led to the loss of seventeen lives and injured 74 people.In response to this incident, MHADA and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have taken decisive action to address the issue of illegal hoardings.
According to a statement released by MHADA on June 14, the authorities have successfully removed an unauthorized hoarding at the Shubh Jeevan Cooperative Housing Society in Juhu Vile Parle. This action aligns with the directives issued by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who has called for the elimination of illegal hoardings across Mumbai in the wake of the Ghatkopar incident.
Sanjeev Jaiswal, the Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of MHADA, stressed the importance of citizen safety, stating, ""The safety of the citizens is paramount. We are committed to ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and protecting public spaces from unauthorised structures. This operation underscores our dedication to public safety."
Jaiswal further commented on the survey findings, highlighting that "The survey identified that out of 62 hoardings, 60 were installed without the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from MHADA."
In light of these findings, the BMC has taken action by issuing show-cause notices to advertisers. The notices require the advertisers to submit MHADA's NOC within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with this requirement will lead to the revocation of advertising permits and potential legal consequences.