The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed 52,448 banners, flex boards and posters across Mumbai between January 1 and October 16, this year as part of its campaign against unauthorised advertisements in public spaces.

During a special drive, between October 8 and 16, the BMC seized around 3,537 unauthorised advertisements, including banners, boards, posters and flags in Mumbai.

The BMC has also initiated legal action against people who violated, with four FIRs registered at police stations following complaints filed by its Licensing Department.

In a separate development, 333 complaints have been submitted to the police for further legal action.

Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said the drive was against unauthorised advertising displays and would seek to continue for the rest of the year.

Speaking at the BMC’s monthly meeting of various departments in Worli on Saturday, Bhide said the campaign was aimed at preventing the defacement of Mumbai’s public spaces.

Mayor Ritu Tawde directed officials and staff from the Licensing, Maintenance and Encroachment Removal departments, along with the Cooperation from all political parties and elected representatives to prevent the city’s defacement.

The civic body has instructed officials to promptly remove unauthorised advertising displays upon receiving complaints from citizens. It is also considering a proposal to make QR codes mandatory on authorised advertising displays, enabling their validity to be verified easily and distinguish authorised advertisements from illegal ones.

Bhide further directed officials to take action against printing presses and agencies producing advertising materials without the required permissions.

Under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995, those putting up unauthorised banners, posters and advertising displays in public places may face imprisonment of up to three months or a fine, subject to the applicable provisions.