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Billboards: Cluttering urban eyeline, posing life threat

May 20, 2024 01:23 AM IST

The tragedy in Mumbai starkly exposed the perilous and unregulated nature of these towering structures

In his 2016 book The Great Derangement, author Amitav Ghosh issued a dire warning: “The thousands of billboards that encrust Mumbai” would turn into “deadly projectiles” in the event of a major storm. Such a scenario may have seemed improbable to many. Yet nearly a decade on, disaster struck on May 13 this year, when a colossus 120x120 foot advertising hoarding came crashing down during a Mumbai thunderstorm, claiming 16 lives.

The spot in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, where a large hoarding came crashing down, killing 16 people. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT)
The spot in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, where a large hoarding came crashing down, killing 16 people. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT)
A hoarding and billboard on Vikas Marg in New Delhi. (HT photo)
A hoarding and billboard on Vikas Marg in New Delhi. (HT photo)
Hoardings and billboards in Pune. (HT Photo)
Hoardings and billboards in Pune. (HT Photo)
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Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.
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