Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has recently approved a comprehensive hoarding policy to regulate advertisement boards within its boundaries. The implementation of this policy aims to prioritize public safety, address unauthorized boards, and generate revenue for PMRDA. By setting guidelines for advertisers, the PMRDA seeks to streamline the process of obtaining permissions and ensure the authenticity and structural stability of advertisement boards.
Background and Rationale
The tragic incident involving a collapsing hoarding within PMRDA limits shed light on the absence of a clear billboard policy and the proliferation of unauthorized boards. This incident highlighted the need for a robust hoarding policy to prevent such accidents and enable appropriate action against violators. Consequently, PMRDA took the necessary steps to develop and approve an advertisement board policy.
Policy Guidelines and Implementation Steps
The approved hoarding policy includes several essential guidelines and implementation steps to ensure its effectiveness. These guidelines promote public safety, streamline the application process, and establish mechanisms to regularize unauthorized boards. Some key features of the policy are as follows:
- Mandatory Display of Approval Details: All advertisement boards within the PMRDA area must prominently display the approval number, date, and duration of the granted permit. This requirement ensures transparency and enables citizens to easily verify the authenticity of the approval.
- Regularizing Unauthorized Boards: The policy provides an opportunity for owners of unauthorized boards to regularize their advertisements. They can apply for regularization by submitting the necessary documents and paying a compromise fee, which is double the development fee.
- Demolition of Non-Compliant Boards: In cases where owners do not apply for regularization or fail to meet the policy’s requirements, the PMRDA will proceed with the demolition of the non-compliant boards.
- Online Permission Requests: PMRDA plans to establish a dedicated website where applicants can submit their permission requests online. This streamlined process will enhance efficiency and convenience for advertisers.
- Safety Certification: Advertisers are required to obtain a safety certificate from a structural engineer every two years to ensure the stability of the advertisement boards. This measure prioritizes public safety and reduces the risk of accidents due to structural deficiencies.
Revenue Generation and Permit Rates
The implementation of the hoarding policy is expected to generate approximately ₹50 crore in revenue for PMRDA. To achieve this, the policy establishes permit rates based on the location of the advertisement boards. The rates are as follows:
- ₹70 per square foot for roads on expressways, national, state, and major district routes.
- ₹60 per square foot within a 10-kilometer radius from the final boundary of Pune and Pimpri Municipalities.
- ₹50 per square meter for rural areas within PMRDA limits.
Application Requirements
Applicants seeking permission to erect advertisement boards must provide the following documents:
- Board construction map along with the application.
- Consent letter from the owner of the premises on a ₹100 stamp paper, accompanied by a photograph.
- Applicant’s undertaking.
- Architectural Stability Certificate.
- Tenancy agreement, if the premises are rented.
- Site plan of the location.
- Satellite photo of the location.
- “No Objection Certificate” from MSEDCL confirming the absence of power lines in the vicinity.
The implementation of the comprehensive hoarding policy by PMRDA demonstrates a commitment to public safety, regulation, and revenue generation. By mandating approval display, safety certification, and online application procedures, the policy aims to streamline the hoarding permit process while ensuring the structural integrity of advertisement boards. It is expected that this policy will not only enhance public safety but also contribute significantly to the revenue generation efforts of PMRDA.
