Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Ameet Satam Seeks Strict Action on Mumbai’s Illegal Hoardings
Illegal hoardings and banners have appeared in many parts of Mumbai during the festive season.
Ameet Satam, a BJP leader and local lawmaker, wrote to Mayor Ritu Tawde about the problem.
He said the signs can make the city look untidy and may be unsafe.
He wants people who put them up illegally to face strict action, including criminal cases.
He also suggested that the city allow standard advertising boards on electricity poles.
The BMC could rent those spaces out using a clear and fair process.
Tawde had already announced a citywide campaign to remove illegal posters and banners after Ganeshotsav.
The BMC says it removes about 15,000 to 20,000 unauthorised hoardings each year.
Mumbai BJP president and MLA Ameet Satam wrote to Mayor Ritu Tawde seeking a comprehensive policy on advertising hoardings.
Satam said unauthorised hoardings violate High Court directions, damage the city’s appearance and create safety risks.
He called for strict enforcement, including criminal cases against people who erect illegal hoardings.
Satam proposed standardised advertising boards on electricity poles, with spaces leased by the BMC through a transparent system.
The BMC removes an estimated 15,000–20,000 unauthorised hoardings annually; nearly 45% relate to political leaders’ birthdays and festive celebrations.
- Who
- Mumbai BJP president and MLA Ameet Satam wrote to Mayor Ritu Tawde.
- What
- Satam sought strict action against illegal hoardings and a transparent policy for authorised advertising.
- When
- During the festive season; Tawde’s removal drive was announced after Ganeshotsav.
- Where
- Mumbai.
- Why
- Satam said illegal hoardings deface the city, pose safety risks and flout High Court directions.
Strict enforcement and removal
Authorised advertising through clear rules
How to address unauthorised hoardings
Strict enforcement and removal
Satam called for strict enforcement and criminal cases against people who erect illegal hoardings.
Authorised advertising through clear rules
Satam also proposed allowing standardised advertising boards in designated spaces, leased transparently by the BMC.
- Annual removals
- The BMC removes an estimated 15,000–20,000 unauthorised hoardings each year.
- Share linked to celebrations
- Nearly 45% are linked to birthday greetings for political leaders and festive celebrations.
- Proposed locations
- Standardised advertising boards on electricity poles.
- Proposed leasing system
- The BMC would lease advertising spaces through a transparent system.
- Requested enforcement
- Strict action, including criminal cases against those erecting illegal hoardings.
- Removal campaign
- Tawde announced a citywide drive targeting illegal posters, banners, hoardings and promotional stickers on bridges, flyovers and monorail pillars.