Thane Municipal Corporation Takes Bold Action Against Urban Visual Pollution
In a significant step towards combating urban visual pollution, the Thane Municipal Corporation has successfully cleared 3,891 unauthorised boards, posters, and banners across its municipal limits in December 2024. This decisive move aims to align with High Court directives against urban defacement and maintain the city’s aesthetic appeal.
Comprehensive Removal Drive
Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao spearheaded the comprehensive removal drive, resulting in 76 registered cases across various city divisions. The collaborative efforts of the encroachment department and ward committees ensured the systematic removal of unauthorised hoardings from all municipal zones.
Divisional Breakdown
The removal operation targeted key areas within the city, with the following divisional breakdown:
– Naupada-Kopri: 762 boards removed (11 cases)
– Wagle Estate: 373 boards removed (2 cases)
– Lokmanya / Savarkar Nagar: 342 boards removed (10 cases)
– Vartaknagar: 453 boards removed (6 cases)
– Majiwada-Manpada: 353 boards removed (7 cases)
– Uthalsar: 338 boards removed (3 cases)
– Mumbra: 456 boards removed (15 cases)
– Kalwa: 409 boards removed (18 cases)
– Diva: 405 boards removed (4 cases)
Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole underscored the importance of the drive in upholding legal regulations and preserving the city’s visual landscape. The municipal administration has also identified specific areas where billboards can be legally installed upon payment of prescribed fees.
Continuous Enforcement and Citizen Cooperation
Commissioner Rao has issued directives for continuous enforcement, urging authorities to take effective action against unauthorised advertising materials and consistently file cases against violators. The municipal administration appeals to citizens and businesses to cooperate with regulations and utilize designated advertising spaces to uphold Thane’s aesthetic and orderly appearance.
Personal Touch:
As a resident of Thane, I have often witnessed the proliferation of unauthorised boards and banners cluttering the city streets. The recent initiative by the Thane Municipal Corporation to remove these visual distractions is a welcome sight, promising a cleaner and more visually appealing environment for all residents and visitors alike. Let’s do our part in supporting these efforts and ensure that Thane remains a city we can all be proud of.
