State industries minister Uday Samant reiterated in the legislative assembly on Monday that the committee investigating the Ghatkopar hoarding incident would delve deeply into the decisions made by the former MVA government during the Covid-19 pandemic. This assurance comes amidst heated discussions prompted by BJP MLA Ashish Shelar’s allegations regarding a purported conspiracy surrounding the tragic incident on May 13, which claimed the lives of 17 individuals.
Shelar, during a calling attention session on the Ghatkopar incident, raised concerns over the policies governing hoardings under the previous administration. He alleged that instead of regulating hoardings, policies favoring street furniture were introduced, allegedly at the behest of influential leaders. Shelar also criticized the granting of a 50% subsidy to hoarding contractors and the unauthorized installation of digital screens, which he claimed allowed contractors to reap substantial profits. Furthermore, he highlighted secret meetings purportedly held between hoarding owners and the government during the pandemic, suggesting collusion and preferential treatment.
Citing an IIT report, Shelar pointed out concerns raised by drivers regarding the intense light emitted by LED hoardings, suggesting potential safety hazards. He questioned whether these factors were part of a larger conspiracy.
Shelar’s queries extended to the legality of hoardings within railway limits, asserting that 179 out of 1,025 hoardings in Mumbai lacked BMC permissions. He demanded clarity on the actions planned against these unauthorized structures.
In response, Minister Uday Samant assured the assembly that the committee investigating the Ghatkopar tragedy would extend its scrutiny to encompass these allegations. He pledged a thorough investigation into all aspects raised during the discussion, emphasizing transparency and accountability in addressing the concerns surrounding hoarding policies and their enforcement across Mumbai.
The unfolding debate underscores growing public and legislative scrutiny over urban infrastructure policies and their implications on public safety and regulatory compliance in Maharashtra’s capital city.