Advocating for strict adherence to regulations & safety standards: IOAA President on hoarding collapse

Delhi: The India Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA) issued a statement regarding the recent tragedy in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, which claimed the lives of at least 16 people.

Pawan Bansal, President of IOAA, expressed full support for the initiatives undertaken by the Maharashtra Government and the BMC to audit and regulate hoarding structures throughout the city in response to the incident.

"We are committed to assisting in these efforts to ensure such a tragedy does not occur again. We are determined to work closely with all relevant authorities to enhance safety measures and regulatory compliance. We appreciate the ongoing support and understanding of the community as we strive to make necessary improvements," he added.

It's been a week since the massive advertisement hoarding in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area collapsed during a dust storm on May 13, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 people. The 250-tonne structure primarily impacted a petrol pump below, where many of the victims were present. 

The hoarding was mounted on a massive metal frame in April 2023 on Government Railway Police (GRP) land and was owned by Bhavesh Bhinde who absconded after the collapse but was later arrested in Rajasthan.

Media reports stated the pressure mounting on the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC) to inspect and take action against illegal or unstable hoardings in the city and to request stability certificates from the Railways and Mumbai Port Trust for other hoardings. Other cities have also responded to the incident.

In Chennai, where a ban on hoardings is being lifted, officials removed over 460 structures. The city also has several hundred pending applications for hoarding installations. In Pune, a large hoarding fell on a parked truck shortly after the Ghatkopar incident, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Commenting on the incident, Bansal stated, "On behalf of the India Outdoor Advertising Association and its members, we express our deep sorrow over the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of life following the collapse of a billboard at a petrol station in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. This event has deeply affected us, and our thoughts are with the families enduring this painful time."

“The IOAA has consistently advocated for strict adherence to local regulations and safety
standards concerning the installation of hoardings. We prioritise safety and diligently
promote compliance among our members,” he added.