PPCR launches campaign against illegal hoardings

New Delhi, December 26, 2022: Pune Platform for Collaborative Response (PPCR), a civic-led volunteer platform working towards improving Pune’s ease of living and doing business, launched a #NoFlex campaign against illegal hoardings/flex causing disruption all across the city. Under PPCR’s #NoFlex initiative, the platform will join forces with every Punekar, including individuals, NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations, Housing Societies & Mohalla Committees to partake & write an open letter to all political leaders, organizations, and commercial establishments. PPCR will collectively present all the signed letters to the city's political leadership expressing solidarity and requesting a quick address to the situation.
 

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Lead & Coordinator of Pune Platform for Collaborative Response (PPCR), said, “While the city’s administration is taking necessary actions, we believe that given the pace at which these illegal hoardings, flex, etc. are cropping up, upcoming elections, and political patronage, it is impossible for the admin to ensure compliance and take action at every instance. It is crucial to deal with the crisis at its source. So unless we as citizens join forces, and voice our collective condemnation against such actions, we will never be able to stop this menace. It is time for Pune to once again show the power of our collaborative approach. We strongly believe in the power of ‘Samvaad’, and we hope that our political leadership will also take cognizance of citizens' plight and will take necessary actions immediately.”
 

The open letter created and circulated by PPCR is an appeal to remove the unauthorized and unwanted political & commercial hoardings, flex boards, advertisements, cutouts, buntings, hangings, billboards, etc., mushrooming in many areas in and around the city, causing visual pollution, inconveniencing citizens, and causing irrevocable damage to the environment.
 

The letter states that ‘This act is against the spirit of our city and is damaging our cultural fabric. As ‘Punekars’, we stand united to make Pune the best city to live in and are committed to holistic growth. Your swift action will instill confidence in citizens toward political leadership, which is crucial at this point as residents/citizens are wary to vote and extend any support to establishments and parties that propagate or promote such illegitimate activities against the city and citizens at large.’
 

Pune Platform for Collaborative Response’s initiative has received support from over 3,000 people on Twitter, hundreds of societies & committees, and thousands of individuals already. The campaign will also seek support from corporates, institutions, industry, and business leaders to solidify their appeal.
 

Incorporated two years back as Pune Platform for COVID-19 Response, with 500+ Public & Private hospitals, 250+ Corporates, 1000+ Donors, 10+ Public sector (Government) offices & 100+ Private and non-profit sector members, PPCR deployed more than 200 crores worth of critical medical equipment across the nation. PPCR was one the largest civic-led initiatives and became a national movement to mitigate the risk and impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare system and economy.
 

Pune Platform for Collaborative Response (PPCR) is aimed at improving the quality of life of Punekars and contributing to Pune's socio-economic development.