Ghatkopar Tragedy: Are hoardings in public spaces worth the risk?

The collapse of a 120-foot hoarding on a petrol pump in Mumbai, which killed 16 people and injured more than 74 earlier this week, is yet another tragic reminder of Mumbaikars' vulnerability to climate risks. Rescue and relief work underway near the site of the hoarding collapse at Ghatkopar The proliferation of illegal banners, posters and hoardings has become a pressing issue across major cities in India. A 2019 study on 'The impact of road advertising signs on driver behaviour and implications for road safety: A critical systematic review' published in Transportation Research Part A Policy and Practice further states that "roadside advertising can increase crash risk, particularly for those signs that have the capacity to frequently change " -- the latest trend across Mumbai. The Indian Roads Congress, the apex body of highway engineers in India, also states that signs and signals cannot carry The recent tragedy in Mumbai makes it imperative to question the necessity of hoardings in public spaces, especially considering the advancements in marketing and advertising strategies. To prevent incidents like the one in Ghatkopar and ensure the safety of citizens, strict regulation and enforcement on the removal of illegal hoardings are paramount.