Ater the tragic incident of a hoarding collapse in Ghatkopar, the BMC has now set up an eight-member panel to create detailed guidelines on outdoor advertising (concerning billboards) and oversee the transition to digital hoarding in the city.
The eight-member panel will balance the aesthetic, economic, and regulatory aspects of outdoor advertising in Mumbai,” said the civic official.
As of now, 17 people have died and more than 70 have been injured after a large illegal billboard crashed onto a petrol pump due to unexpected winds and strong rain on May 13th. This devastating result provoked an outcry on social media and among the community, prompting action.
The panel will be headed by additional municipal commissioner (city) Ashwini Joshi, along with joint police commissioner (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare, BMC’s deputy commissioner (Special) Kiran Dighavkar, and superintendent of Licence Anil Kate as members, according to BMC’s official. It also includes Rakesh Kumar, who previously worked at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and will now serve as the environmental specialist. Also included are: Avjit Maji and Nagendra Rao Velaga from IIT Bombay, along with Shreekumar from the Industrial Design department.
“Digital billboards cause distraction to motorists and citizens, especially in the evening and at night, health implications of placement in residential areas, and environmental impacts like light pollution. Therefore, it is expected that the advertising policy should be considered accordingly,” said a civic official.
This diverse 8-panel committee will examine the potential impacts on the environment, health, and traffic safety of allowing digital billboards. As per BMC authorities, the committee is anticipated to present a report within one to two months.
