Pune: Activist Jaymala Dhankikar Urges Safety Audits of Hoardings to Prevent Tragedies
Pune: Social activist Jaymala Dhankikar has written to the Chief Minister's Office, urging immediate safety audits of hoardings in Pune's NIBM Annexe area to prevent public safety risks.
HoardingsSafety AuditsPublic SafetyPuneJaymala DhankikarReal Estate PuneNov 03, 2025
In her letter, Dhankikar referred to a series of recent hoarding collapses in Pune, Mumbai, and Nashik, which resulted in injuries and fatalities. “Despite repeated tragedies, many hoardings in NIBM Annexe remain unchecked and structurally unsafe. The negligence of authorities and hoarding owners is putting lives at risk,” she wrote.
She highlighted that the Maharashtra Police Act, BPMC Act, and Disaster Management Act empower officials to act against unsafe hoardings. “Under Section 34(1)(x) of the Maharashtra Police Act, police can remove obstructions endangering public safety, while Section 328 of the BPMC Act prohibits structures erected without municipal permission,” Dhankikar stated.
Citing past incidents, she wrote, “In May 2025, a massive hoarding collapsed in Kalyani Nagar during strong winds, injuring several pedestrians and damaging vehicles. A year earlier, the Ghatkopar tragedy in Mumbai claimed 14 lives. These are not isolated events—they reflect systemic failure.”
Dhankikar demanded that Pune Police issue notices to all hoarding owners in NIBM Annexe under Section 34 of the Maharashtra Police Act, requiring them to submit structural audit reports from certified engineers within 15 days. “PMC must immediately cancel licenses of non-compliant hoardings under Section 328 of the BPMC Act,” she added.
She also proposed a coordinated safety drive involving the police, PMC, and disaster management authorities. “Areas like Mohammedwadi Road and Kondhwa see heavy traffic and pedestrian movement, yet multiple oversized hoardings have been installed without proper wind load calculations,” she noted.
Referring to media reports, Dhankikar pointed out multiple recent hoarding collapses across Pune — including incidents near Wagholi and Dhanori — where vehicles were damaged but major tragedies were narrowly averted. “These incidents prove criminal negligence under the BNS. FIRs should be filed against negligent officials and hoarding owners,” she demanded.
Calling for urgent government intervention, Dhankikar warned that the monsoon season could worsen the risk. “Given Pune’s vulnerability to strong winds, delaying action could cost lives. The government must act now to prevent another tragedy,” she stated.
Dhankikar concluded her letter by appealing to the Chief Minister’s Office to treat the matter as a priority and ensure accountability through immediate enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jaymala Dhankikar urging safety audits of hoardings?
Jaymala Dhankikar is urging safety audits of hoardings to prevent public safety risks, especially in light of recent collapses that have resulted in injuries and fatalities.
What specific laws empower officials to act against unsafe hoardings?
The Maharashtra Police Act, BPMC Act, and Disaster Management Act empower officials to act against unsafe hoardings. Specifically, Section 34(1)(x) of the Maharashtra Police Act and Section 328 of the BPMC Act are relevant.
What actions does Dhankikar propose to ensure compliance?
Dhankikar proposes that Pune Police issue notices to hoarding owners requiring them to submit structural audit reports within 15 days and that the PMC cancel licenses of non-compliant hoardings.
What areas in Pune are particularly at risk due to hoardings?
Areas like Mohammedwadi Road and Kondhwa, which see heavy traffic and pedestrian movement, are particularly at risk due to the presence of multiple oversized hoardings without proper wind load calculations.
Why is immediate action needed before the monsoon season?
Immediate action is needed before the monsoon season because Pune is vulnerable to strong winds, and delaying action could result in more hoarding collapses and potential loss of life.
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