No hoardings obstructing footpaths: NMC informs HC

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has denied allegations that its move to erect advertising hoardings is obstructing footpaths. In its affidavit before the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Thursday, NCM said the hoardings have been installed in accordance with regulations and do not hinder pedestrians.
Citizen Forum for Equality president Madhukar Kukde had filed a public interest petition (PIL) through advocate Tushar Mandalekar regarding the footpath issue. The proceedings took place before justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi. The matter of advertising hoardings on footpaths was incorporated in the case.
NMC had commenced implementing the hoardings contract system last month, and the high court had directed it to submit a response on this matter. Subsequently, deputy commissioner (revenue) Dr Milind Meshram submitted an affidavit. According to it, a four-member committee appointed by NMC surveyed 78 locations where hoardings could be installed.
The response indicated that the hoardings were erected following regulations. Hoardings are installed only after procuring structural design and stability certificates from structural engineers as per the guidelines established by the urban development department, NMC said. Hence, there are no unauthorised hoardings or contraventions of rules. NMC asserted that the petitioners made these allegations without examining the locations. Advocate Girish Kunte represented the municipal corporation.