Hoarding collapses have emerged as a pressing concern in India, with a series of tragic incidents highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement. These structures, often towering over our cities, pose a significant risk to public safety, as evidenced by the numerous casualties and injuries reported across the country.
One such incident occurred in Thane, Maharashtra, on Friday where a massive hoarding came crashing down on parked vehicles. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the close call served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers.
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#WATCH | Maharashtra: A wooden hoarding collapsed at Sahajanand Chowk of Kalyan in Thane at 10:18 am this morning. No casualties reported, 3 vehicles were damaged in the incident.
(Source: District Information Officer, Thane) pic.twitter.com/daMjcqFhOi
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024
In Pune, a spate of hoarding collapses, including one that injured three people and a horse, exposed the rampant issue of unauthorized structures.
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"5NDRF#Tragic incident at Chheda Nagar , Mumbai. Hoarding collapse at petrol pump. NDRF on scene, rescued Three. SAR ongoing. #CSSR#NDRF#RRCMumbai@ANI@sdmamaharashtra@NDRFHq@ndmaindia@PIBMumbai pic.twitter.com/YBvu1sTNx5
— 5 NDRF PUNE (@5Ndrf) May 13, 2024
Mumbai post heavy rains:
Ghatkopar, Mumbai post the heavy rains. The earth seems both angry & hungry. The soundtrack needs a ‘burp’ at the end of the clip… pic.twitter.com/Y4oEdzEtZC
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) June 13, 2021
The most devastating incident took place in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, where a colossal hoarding collapsed during a dust storm, claiming 17 lives. This tragedy prompted a strong response from authorities, with the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission issuing notices to the BMC and police for negligence.
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In India, 54 people were injured and over 100 are feared trapped following a hoarding collapse at the Police Ground Petrol Pump on Eastern Express Highway, Pantnagar, Ghatkopar East. Search and rescue operations are underway.
📹 @ANI pic.twitter.com/LRbpMJLt9T
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) May 13, 2024
#WATCH | Mumbai's Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident: Rescue and search operation underway by NDRF
The death toll in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident has risen to 14. pic.twitter.com/YpdCDeu5fb
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2024
Beyond these high-profile cases, numerous other cities have grappled with the menace of collapsing hoardings. Loni Kalbhor, Pune, and Moshi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, witnessed similar incidents, underscoring the systemic failure in regulating these structures.
Iron Hoarding Collapsed In Pune, Killed 5 Including 4 Women on 18 Apr 2023.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the government and legal bodies have initiated steps to address the problem. The BMC has established a panel to develop new guidelines for billboards, while the Supreme Court has directed authorities to implement safety measures. Maharashtra has also announced a new hoarding policy for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
However, preventing future tragedies requires a multi-faceted approach. Local bodies must diligently enforce safety norms and conduct regular inspections. The Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines for wind load calculations should be strictly adhered to. Additionally, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change necessitates a reassessment of structural safety standards for outdoor structures.
Ultimately, the responsibility for preventing hoarding collapses lies with multiple stakeholders, including landowners, advertising agencies, and government authorities. By working together, we can create a safer urban environment and prevent such heart-wrenching incidents from recurring.
The time has come for a comprehensive overhaul of hoarding regulations. The lives of countless citizens depend on it.
