Illegal hoardings and banners have again come into the spotlight with civic activists filing complaints. BMC chief Iqbal Singh Chahal, during the review meeting of the civic body’s Rs 2,000-crore Mumbai beautification plan on Friday, directed officials to take strict action against these. Activists, however, say there was also a need for political will as a majority of these illegal banners are that of politicians. As per BMC records, it takes action against around 22,000 such banners each year and files around 800 cases.

A civic activist from Matunga, Nikhil Desai, said, “BMC officials can take action [on illegal hoardings], but what about politicians who set up their hoardings and banners for festivals and new year for free publicity? Until politicians change their mindset, this problem will likely persist.”