The Times of India            16.12.2013

Corporators seek hefty fine for illegal hoardings

PUNE: Some elected members in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have proposed a 10-fold hike in fine for hoardings put up illegally. At present, the civic administration charges a fine of Rs 500.

The corporators have forwarded a proposal which will be discussed at the standing committee meeting on Monday. "The penalty should be heavy. The PMC levies the fine every time they come across an illegal hoarding. We suggest it should be imposed every day," said Congress corporator Avinash Bagwe.

In March this year, a high court order gave the civic body a deadline to remove all illegal hoardings. A bunch of PILs pertaining to illegal hoardings in cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Mira Bhayander and Satara had come up for hearing before the high court bench. Civic officials said they have been taking action against illegal advertising boards, banners and posters across the city.

However, some of the residents have expressed their dissatisfaction about the action taken so far. "I have been writing to the civic administration about illegal hoardings in our area. The banners and hoardings are creating a nuisance, affecting the traffic and beauty of the city. Despite repeated reminders the situation has not changed," said Jayant Mohite, a resident of Vadgaonsheri.

According a senior PMC official, action has been taken against illegal hoardings and its reports have been submitted to court and media. "We have taken strict action and the drive will continue," he said.

The penalty should be heavy.