NI Bureau
Anand Mahindra strongly condemns the collapse of a billboard in Mumbai, which tragically claimed the lives of 14 people. Expressing his dismay on X, the business tycoon labeled the incident as “unacceptable” and questioned how such occurrences could transpire in a city striving to epitomize a modern metropolis. He emphasized the necessity for rigorous regulations to safeguard public welfare and forestall similar mishaps in the future.
In a heartfelt tweet, he wrote, “14 dead. Om Shanti. 60 injured from a billboard collapse. Unacceptable. And we’re a city trying to transform itself into a modern metropolis. CM @mieknathshinde has ordered a probe into all hoardings. Stringent rules must follow.”
The incident unfolded when a 100-foot billboard, located opposite a petrol station in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area, collapsed amidst a severe storm. Surveillance footage captured the metal structure crashing through the roofs of multiple vehicles before crashing to the ground. Currently, search and rescue operations are underway.
Following the tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the site and pledged that his administration would conduct a comprehensive structural assessment of all billboards across the city. Additionally, he announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the families of each victim.
Meanwhile, Mahindra’s tweet has sparked widespread attention, eliciting varied reactions. While some advocate for stricter regulations, others criticize the reactive nature of investigations following such incidents, questioning why preemptive measures aren’t taken.
One user lamented, “Why do we only learn after such tragedies and loss of life? Why can’t the government take proactive action? This pattern repeats in cases like road maintenance as well.”
Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Safety should always be paramount in construction projects. Let’s hope for more stringent regulations.”
Adding to the discourse, another user criticized the lack of proactive measures, highlighting the authorities’ oversight regarding the billboard’s legality despite its recognition in the Limca Book of Records.
Lastly, a commenter criticized the reactive approach to investigations, suggesting that such actions stem from public outrage rather than a genuine commitment to safety.
