In response to the alarming incidents of hoarding collapses, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken swift action in Wagholi, Pune. During an inspection of 491 hoardings, 11 were found to be particularly dangerous and have been removed by the Wagholi – Nagar Road Regional Office. Ganesh Bharti, the License Inspector, confirmed that the operation is ongoing. Despite previous official and structural audits, the recent collapses have prompted further scrutiny and action.
Recent Incidents and Casualties
Over the past month, there have been six hoarding collapses in Mumbai and Pune, resulting in significant casualties. Mumbai witnessed 16 fatalities and over 50 injuries, while Pune experienced injuries to three people and damage to two cars and two bikes in Wagholi.
Key Points to Remember
- Six hoarding collapses in Mumbai and Pune led to 16 deaths in Mumbai and over 50 injuries.
- 11 dangerous hoardings have been removed in Wagholi, with ongoing efforts.
- State and municipal authorities have ordered the removal of unauthorized and dangerous hoardings.
- Citizens are urged to report hazardous hoardings for inspection and removal.
- Current weather conditions increase the risk, necessitating the removal of flexes from hoardings.
Government Directives and Actions
The state government has mandated the removal of unauthorized and dangerous hoardings. The PMC Commissioner has reiterated this directive, ordering the removal of such hoardings within seven days. Following these directives, five hoardings in Lohgaon and six in Wagholi and Kharadi have already been removed.
Public Awareness and Structural Audits
The recurring incidents have heightened public awareness and concern regarding the structural integrity of hoardings. Citizens are now demanding comprehensive structural audits of all hoardings to prevent future mishaps. Residents are encouraged to report any hoardings they deem hazardous. Ganesh Bharti assured that these reports would be promptly investigated, and necessary actions would be taken.
Weather-Related Risks
The region is currently experiencing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, exacerbating the risk of hoarding collapses. Torn flexes from hoardings often end up on electrical wires, causing power outages. Authorities have instructed the removal of these flexes to mitigate further risks. Consequently, many hoardings now appear as skeletal frames, stripped of their advertising material for safety reasons.
