CHENNAI: As more advertising and political banners pop up across the city, residents of Iyayappanthangal have raised concerns over large banners placed on pavements and by the roadside. They claim that the banners not only inconvenience pedestrians but also endanger motorists.
The banners, many of which are erected by political parties, continue to occupy public spaces despite assurances from the local body that unauthorised structures have been removed. Residents say the banners are positioned dangerously at bends and near busy junctions.
"In many areas of the panchayat like Iyyappanthangal bus depot, BSM Kalyanamandapam and Oil Mill Road, banners placed at road turning are causing trouble for motorists as they prevent visibility of vehicles and pedestrians.
Despite several complaints, these banners are still blocking the space. When we raise the issue with panchayat officials, they remove them temporarily through sanitary workers, but the situation returns to the same soon after," said A Santhosh, a resident.
Santhosh also pointed out the risk of accidents as the banners are not firmly installed. He said most of the structures were either political banners or private advertisements for functions.
"Officials earlier claimed banners are allowed only for functions with proper permission. But how are they giving permission for such risky placements?" he questioned.
When contacted, an Iyyappanthangal village panchayat official said banners were usually put up for functions and those responsible are instructed to remove them the following day.