Mumbai: Despite removing 52,448 banners and flex displays since January, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) continues to face the challenge of unauthorised hoardings and flags reappearing across the city. Residents say political rallies, festive celebrations and commercial promotions have left streets cluttered, obstructing footpaths and creating potential road-safety hazards.

The problem has been reported in Dadar, Shivaji Park, Worli, Bandra, Mahim and other neighbourhoods. Residents have complained that banners are placed at pedestrian crossings, obscure landmarks and sometimes block entrances to residential buildings.

Vaibhav Rege, secretary of Dadar ALM, said banners frequently appear at junctions and crossings despite repeated complaints. He also pointed out that displays have obscured the Senapati Bapat memorial at Shivaji Park. He urged political parties and their workers to take responsibility for the problem.

In Bandra East, residents said banners often remain in place long after events have ended. Some have approached political leaders directly, asking them to prevent unauthorised installations and ensure pedestrian access remains clear.

The BMC said it removed 3,537 unauthorised advertisements during a special drive conducted between October 8 and 16. Four FIRs were registered, while 333 other cases were referred to the police for further legal action. The civic body has also proposed making QR codes mandatory to help verify whether banners and flex displays are authorised.

Residents say sustained enforcement and accountability among political parties, event organisers and commercial advertisers are necessary to prevent the city’s streets from being cluttered again.