Mumbai: On social media platform X, a handle named Friends of Malabar Hill posted a series of photographs highlighting illegal posters and banners displayed throughout the locality. These posters featured photographs of CM Eknath Shinde and Dy CM Ajit Pawar.
“Despite a Bombay high court order against illegal hoardings, the law is being flouted on Malabar Hill by political parties. Please take prompt action and have them removed,” read the post, which tagged the BMC social media handle @mybmc. The BMC did not respond.
Local residents pointed out that most of these banners had appeared in Walkeshwar, Nepean Sea Road, Harkness Road and the main Ridge Road exiting Mount Pleasant Road, all neighbourhoods where the politicians reside.
“These hoardings have taken over pavements and pose a safety risk to pedestrians if they collapse,” said a resident, who did not wish to be identified.
BMC licence department officials said action is taken routinely against illegal posters and banners.
Residents, referring to past court orders, said that despite stern orders by the court, banners with photographs of lawmakers on them must not be tolerated. “Furthermore, these banners, which are non-degradable, do not get recycled and find their way to the landfill,” said the resident.
In Dadar TT, citizen activist Nikhil Desai said that along the TT circle, there are comparatively fewer illegal posters and banners. “I would not say that there are no illegal banners, but it is definitely lesser this time,” said Desai.