Today’s Current Affairs: Hoarding Collapse in Mumbai Sparks Controversy Between BMC and Railways
The recent hoarding collapse at Ghatkopar in Mumbai, resulting in 14 tragic deaths, has brought to light a heated dispute between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Railways. The incident, caused by a sudden dust-storm, has raised questions about land ownership and permissions for the illegal structure.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the BMC’s disaster-management department issued notices to the owners of the structure and the Government Railway Police (GRP), urging for the dismantling of other illegal hoardings in the vicinity within the next 10 days. The civic body also took to social media to update citizens on the removal of advertisements from the collapsed hoarding.
The BMC claims that the land where the accident occurred belongs to the railway police, highlighting a lack of clarity on jurisdiction and responsibility. Despite previous warnings and follow-ups, the illegal hoarding remained standing, prompting scrutiny on the Assistant Commissioner’s oversight.
The conflicting statements from the GRP initially denying ownership of the land, only to later admit to it, further complicate the situation. The involvement of Ego Media Private Limited, the advertising agency responsible for the hoarding, has led to legal repercussions, with FIRs filed against its owner, Bhavesh Bhinde.
As investigations continue and fingers are pointed, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper regulations and accountability in urban infrastructure. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
1. Who issued a notice to the owners of the collapsed hoarding after the Ghatkopar tragedy?
– A. Railways
– B. Government Railway Police (GRP)
– C. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
– D. Mumbai Police
Answer: C. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
2. Which department is responsible for protecting the city’s flora according to BMC?
– A. Licence Department
– B. Building & Factories Department
– C. Garden Department
– D. Fire Brigade Department
Answer: C. Garden Department
3. Who admitted ownership of the land where the hoarding collapse occurred?
– A. Central Railways
– B. Indian Railways
– C. Government Railway Police (GRP)
– D. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
Answer: C. Government Railway Police (GRP)
4. Who is the owner of the agency that set up the collapsed hoarding?
– A. Kirit Somaiya
– B. Bhavesh Bhinde
– C. Ravindra Shisve
– D. Qaiser Khalid
Answer: B. Bhavesh Bhinde
What caused the hoarding collapse at Ghatkopar and what ensued after?
The hoarding collapse at Ghatkopar was caused by a sudden dust-storm in Mumbai, resulting in 14 deaths. This led to a conflict between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Railways over land ownership and permissions for the illegal structure.
What actions did the BMC take after the tragedy?
Following the incident, the BMC’s disaster-management department issued a notice to the owners of the structure and Government Railway Police (GRP) to dismantle other illegal hoardings in the vicinity within 10 days. The civic body also initiated the removal of advertisements from the hoarding.
What is the BMC’s stance on the land ownership where the accident occurred?
The BMC claims that the land where the accident occurred belongs to the railway police, as stated by Assistant Commissioner Gajanan Bellale. They also mentioned that a notice was issued to the GRP and the company managing the hoarding regarding the illegal structure.
What departments within the BMC are responsible for handling hoardings and advertisements?
There are three BMC departments responsible for managing hoardings and advertisements in the city. These include the Licence Department, Building & Factories Department, and Garden Department, each with specific roles in regulating structures and protecting the city’s flora.
What were the conflicting statements made by the GRP regarding the ownership of the land and their actions?
Initially, the Central Railways denied ownership of the land where the hoarding collapsed. However, the GRP later admitted ownership and mentioned that the collapse occurred before they could take action against the advertising agency for damaging trees to erect the hoardings. The GRP also stated that appropriate action was initiated against the company after a letter was issued by the BMC.
What legal actions have been taken against Ego Media Private Limited, the agency responsible for the hoarding?
An FIR has been registered against Bhavesh Bhinde, the owner of Ego Media, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Despite the FIR, no arrests have been made so far. Bhinde has multiple complaints against him for unauthorized banner placements and was also involved in a separate legal case earlier this year. He has been accused of negligence in maintaining the hoarding structure, which ultimately led to its collapse.
Today's current affairs in Mumbai have taken a tragic turn with the hoarding collapse at Ghatkopar, resulting in 14 deaths. The incident has sparked a dispute between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Railways over land ownership and permissions for the illegal structure.
Following the tragedy, the BMC issued a notice to the owners of the structure and GRP, demanding the dismantling of other illegal hoardings in the area within 10 days. The BMC also began removing advertisements from the collapsed hoarding.
The BMC claims that the land where the accident occurred belongs to the railway police. The Assistant Commissioner of the ward had previously issued a notice to the concerned parties, including the GRP and the company managing the hoarding.
The GRP initially denied ownership of the land but later admitted to it, stating that the billboard collapsed before they could take action against the advertising agency for damaging trees to erect it. An FIR has been registered against the owner of the agency, Ego Media Private Limited, but no arrests have been made yet.
The owner, Bhavesh Bhinde, has a history of non-cognizable complaints against him for putting up banners without permission. He also faced a rape allegation earlier this year, for which he was granted anticipatory bail.
The incident has raised questions about accountability and the need for stricter regulations on hoardings and advertisements across the city.
