Ranchi Municipal Corporation mandates structural checks on hoardings; Urgent repairs needed to avert safety hazards

Ranchi: In view of inclement weather, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has directed all advertising agencies to submit structural strength reports of hoardings installed across the city, with a focus on identifying and addressing dilapidated structures that pose safety risks.In an official notice issued by deputy municipal commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu on Wednesday, agencies have been asked to inspect all govt and private hoardings and take immediate corrective action. “All old, damaged or weak hoardings must either be repaired or removed within a week. A structural strength report from a certified engineer is mandatory both before and after installation,” Sahu said.The directive comes in the wake of a recent incident in Kadru, where a portion of a sunshade was blown off due to strong winds, raising broader concerns over the stability of overhead structures.

“In view of the incident, organisations must submit proof of structural strength. If any hoarding is found unsafe during inspection, it must be fixed immediately or dismantled,” Sahu added.Officials said the order is in line with provisions of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011, and the Jharkhand Municipal Advertisement Policy, 2020, which mandate safety compliance for all installations. Failure to comply could make agencies liable for any loss of life or property caused by collapse.

According to RMC data, the city has over 800 licensed hoardings, many of which are ageing and exposed to weather-related wear and tear. Civic officials feared that without timely intervention, these structures could become hazardous during storms.Residents have also welcomed the move. “During storms, these large hoardings shake dangerously. It is reassuring that the administration is finally taking action,” said Kashi Ram, resident of Ashoknagar.