Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will restart anti-encroachment drive against illegal banners and hoardings along key state and national highways under its jurisdiction amid rise in such structures during the local body elections.The crackdown will cover major routes within PMRDA limits, including the Pune–Nashik highway (Chakan stretch), Pune–Satara highway (NH-48), Pune–Solapur highway (NH-65), Nagar Road, Satara Road, the old Pune–Mumbai highway and stretches in the Hinjewadi area.PMRDA officials on Thursday said the enforcement drive – carried out intensively last year – will be relaunched next week to remove illegal hoardings that obstruct visibility, contribute to traffic congestion and pose serious road safety risks.Commuters, however, expressed scepticism. “This drive was carried out last year too, but the situation returned to the same state,” said Rekha Tejwani, a regular commuter on the Pune–Nashik highway. Another frequent traveller said, “It is surprising that there was no check when these banners came back. There should be strict fines and even FIRs to act as a deterrent.”“The drive will be taken up again, particularly along highways where illegal hoardings distract motorists and block sightlines,” a senior PMRDA official said. “A list of unauthorised structures is being prepared and action will begin in phases,” the official said.The authority earlier launched a large-scale operation to dismantle illegal hoardings along state and national highways, citing violations of advertising norms and structural safety guidelines. Officials said the objective was to reduce visual clutter, improve traffic flow and minimise accident risks caused by poorly placed or unsafe hoardings.PMRDA officials said hoardings erected without mandatory permissions – especially during the election period – will be removed and violators will face action as per rules. The drive will be conducted in coordination with local bodies and traffic police to ensure smooth execution without disrupting vehicular movement.
