Advertising companies must remove illegal giant billboards in the Navi Mumbai Airport Impact Area (NAINA) as per the recent High Court ruling. The Court denied interim relief and mandated the removal of the oversized billboards within four weeks. Failure to comply will result in CIDCO taking necessary action. Companies seeking to display hoardings in the area must reapply for permission, with CIDCO required to make a decision within 45 days.
Following a tragic incident in Ghatkopar, CIDCO had previously issued notices to advertising companies, who contested the directive in court. The Court acknowledged the violation but delayed action until now. CIDCO emphasized the need for swift action against these illegal billboards and instructed CIDCO to formulate a removal strategy.
Further, the Court sought clarification on CIDCO's authority to grant permission for billboards in the Naina area. During the recent hearing, CIDCO, operating as the planning authority for NAINA since 2013, cited Development Control Regulations. The regulations stipulate specific dimensions for signboards, highlighting non-compliance by the petitioners with respect to board size requirements.