Pune, Maharashtra – In a coordinated effort by the Defence Estate Officer (DEO) Pune Circle, the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), and the Dehu Road Cantonment Board (DCB), a total of nine illegal hoardings were dismantled today. These unauthorized structures, which had been present for an extended period, were removed to ensure public safety and compliance with land-use regulations.
Subrat Pal, CEO of PCB, provided insights into the operation, stating, “Six prominent hoardings were successfully removed, with three of them taken down by the violator. These hoardings were erected on defense land without proper authorization.”
Amit Mane, Defence Estate Officer, elaborated on the situation, saying, “The illegal hoardings, measuring 15 x 20 feet each, were located near Napier Hotel, in close proximity to SGS Mall, and adjacent to the ISKCON Temple within PCB jurisdiction. In Dehu Bazar, within DCB limits, similar structures measuring 8 x 10 feet were found. Upon the discovery of these unauthorized structures, we issued notices to the owners, instructing them to promptly remove the hoardings. Additionally, we will be sending notices to address the loss of rent incurred by the hoarding owners and thoroughly investigate this matter.”
Civic experts have estimated that these hoardings, in place for over two years, generate an annual revenue of approximately Rs 20 lakh each, collectively amounting to crores of rupees. Beyond evading rental fees, these illicit hoardings were illicitly using electricity to illuminate the structures. Over the past year, Pune has witnessed a significant number of hoarding-related accidents resulting in casualties. The installation of illegal hoardings often occurs without proper auditing, posing a significant risk to human life.
