BMC removes 371 illegal banners over 5 days, 79% of them political

In what points towards brazen resurgence of illegal banners in the city, 371 such banners and boards have been removed by the civic body since September 13. Of these, 293 (79%) were political ones.

In what points towards brazen resurgence of illegal banners in the city, 371 such banners and boards have been removed by the civic body since September 13. Of these, 293 (79%) were political ones.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has filed FIRs in 263 cases while prosecution has been initiated against offenders in 43 cases.

Civic officials said that political banners were found to be displayed beyond the allowed 100-metre radius of a Ganesh pandal. “We have taken tough action to control the display of banners outside the 100-metre zone. Photos of banners were taken and complaints have been filed against the person whose name appears as the ‘well-wisher’ on the banner,” said Sharad Bande, superintendent of licences.

Criminal cases have been filed against offenders under the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, Maharashtra, 1995, Bande said.

The most number of FIRs — 30 — have been lodged in L ward (Kurla), followed by T ward (Mulund) and P-north ward (Malad) with 28 FIRs each.