The recent accident near Kavadipat toll booth on Pune Solapur State Highway resulted in two people being injured, including a seriously injured horse brought for a groom, as well as two other people. This incident is reminiscent of a previous tragedy in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, where 16 people lost their lives and 74 were injured due to a collapsing hoarding during a sudden storm and rain on May 13. The illegal hoarding in Ghatkopar was registered in the Limca Book of Records, covering an area of over 15 thousand square feet.

Hoarding installation requires permission from the relevant land authority, such as Collector Land, Salt Pan Land, Mumbai Port Trust Land, or BMC Land, depending on the location in Mumbai. Despite the general approval of a 40x40 size by BMC, the hoarding in the Ghatkopar incident was of a different size due to being on non-BMC land. The legality of hoardings is determined by whether the owner has obtained all necessary permissions from the authorities; if permissions are in place, the hoarding is considered legal.

The tragic accidents involving falling hoardings highlight the importance of following proper procedures and obtaining the required permits when installing such structures. The risks posed by unsecured or illegal hoardings can result in serious injuries, loss of life, and extensive damage. It is crucial for authorities to ensure that regulations are strictly followed to prevent further incidents of this nature. The consequences of neglecting safety measures in hoarding installations can have far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities, and businesses. Addressing the issue of illegal hoardings requires a coordinated effort among various agencies and authorities to enforce regulations, conduct inspections, and impose penalties on violators.. Read More Here