Over a year after Ghatkopar crash: BMC unveils stricter hoarding rules 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced a new policy governing the installation of billboards, hoardings and advertisement structures across Mumbai, introducing the strictest measures the city has seen so far.

The move comes nearly a year after a billboard collapsed in Ghatkopar, killing 17 people. The incident prompted a comprehensive review of the city’s outdoor advertising framework.

Read e4m report on Maharashtra releases statewide hoarding policy

The new rules allow for blacklisting advertisers who violate guidelines. The civic body has also encouraged private players to shift towards digital display boards.

Under the revised policy, billboards will no longer be permitted on footpaths or rooftops, where they are currently common. Hoardings must now adhere to a maximum size of 40 ft x 40 ft, and regular structural audits have been made mandatory for all advertising installations.

Read e4m report on BMC starts reworking OOH policy 

The BMC has additionally cut the post-licence grace period from six months to three. 

The civic rules state that digital billboards will also face tighter controls. New norms cap LED hoarding brightness at a maximum luminance ratio of 3:1. 

In September this year, the Maharashtra government has unveiled its first comprehensive policy for outdoor advertising hoardings across the state, extending beyond Mumbai for the first time.

BMC tightens hoarding policy. Read more

The BMC revamped its OOH policy in April. Prior to the assembly elections in Maharashtra, the civic body came up with a new OOH policy outlining several key restrictions and guidelines to regulate the displaying of election-related materials in Mumbai.

Firstly, public properties such as playgrounds, parks, and government-owned vehicles are off-limits for political advertisements when the model code of conduct (MCC) is in place for the Vidhan Sabha, Lok Sabha or Corporation Elections.