Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a crackdown on illegal hoardings starting March 6 after a fatal collapse near Patrapada–Aiginia Durga Puja Mandap claimed two lives and injured several others.
Mayor Sulochana Das visited the accident site and declared that unauthorised hoardings without structural certificates will be removed. She emphasised that public safety takes priority over revenue. Das warned that agencies responsible for unsafe hoardings will face strict action, including blacklisting if necessary.
She explained that landowners receive payments for hosting hoardings but must ensure structural certificates are in place. The collapsed hoarding was privately installed, and BMC will hold the agency accountable. Das assured that the city will not tolerate hoardings that endanger lives.
The decision follows strong winds that toppled the massive display hoarding, leading to the tragic deaths. The incident sparked outrage among residents and raised concerns about the safety of structures across Bhubaneswar.
BMC’s move signals a decisive step toward enforcing safety norms and preventing similar accidents. Officials confirmed that removal operations will begin on March 6, targeting hoardings that fail to meet structural safety standards.
