Political flexis pose threat to pedestrians, motorists in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Worn-out banners and flexi boards set up by political parties in the city are posing a huge threat to pedestrians and motorists, due to an array of problems ranging from blocking traffic lights to turning into a potential fall hazard.
The most affected stretches by this problem are Tarnaka-Mettuguda, Begumpet-Parade Grounds, Basheerbagh-Liberty, Lakdikapul roads, Tank Bund and PVNR Marg.
Among the highest number of such boards set up in the city are that of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which recently welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city for the launch of the Secunderabad railway station revamp, and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which set up a slew of posters for the recent unveiling of the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar near the Secretariat.
While residents appreciate the public initiatives taken by the parties, they say that they are facing problems as many have fallen, broken and dangerously placed on roads.
“Several places in the city have these round BJP and BRS banners, more prominently along the Tarnaka-Secunderabad stretch. The ones at Mettuguda, especially, made of paper/banner have fallen or flown because of the rain and wind, but the skeleton, made of huge wooden sticks and stands remain at the spot. They could fall on an unsuspecting pedestrian who could be looking the other way while crossing the road, as it's right near the signal,” said Ratan B.T., a retired employee and resident of Uppal.
Many Twitterati called them an eyesore. “Initially, devoid of any affiliation, some felt they added some sort of vibrant colour, at best. The day they took a beating because of the winds, they stood tall and ugly at some rather pretty places in the city,” said Himabindhu, an IT professional.
Keertana, a student, said that some of these posters were placed near a signal in such a way that they covered the traffic lights. “People would squint or strain their necks to keep an eye on the signal of the opposite direction to gauge when it's time to move. But imagine someone who doesn't know when to stop!” she posted.
Another commuter said that a banner near Begumpet was placed in such a key location that it almost blocks the free left for commuters at a signal, with some saying that the posters are getting larger by the day.
“With Assembly polls in the state just months away, parties in the city are making the most of every tool they have to send loud and clear messages, or just poke and provoke another party. But we wonder how the municipal body gives permissions for such huge, dangerous banners and the party workers never show the same enthusiasm to clean up after an event, neither are these parties pulled up by authorities,” G. Srinivas Rao, a lecturer, said.
