cringe-worthyDespite earlier beautification drives, the walls of bridges
such as that on G.N. Chetty Road are an eyesore for passers-by—Photo:
S.R. Raghunathan.

 

Many bridges that were declared poster-free have become
eyesores now. The previous Chennai Corporation council had launched the
no-poster rule, tearing off posters on more than 250 bridges and
subways, and declaring them poster-free. White-washing of the structures
followed as part of the drive.

The zonal-level officials were asked to make sure that the walls remained free of posters.

Now many of the structures are being used for promoting commercial entities though posters.

“The
number of posters on bridges has increased in many stretches. The
bridges look ugly,” said R.B. Saravanan, a resident of Nungambakkam.

A
few months ago, Mayor Saidai S. Duraisamy too said it was necessary for
stringent norms be introduced to regulate the setting up of temporary
dais for the conducting of functions and putting up of banners,
streamers and wall posters. He even asked councillors to make a list
with regard to places where public meetings were held on a regular
basis. He also made a proposal to install notice boards across the city
where posters can be permitted without emerging as eyesores. The ward
committees were expected to clear the proposal and bring it to the
council for its approval.

The civic body had even
proposed that notice boards would be installed all over the city so that
posters could be pasted there for a specific time frame.

The
civic body also planned to collect deposits from those organising
functions to ensure that they remove flex boards and streamers within
the stipulated period.

The proposal is yet to have an impact on the aesthetics of 250 bridges and subways.

A proposal to install notice boards across the city for posters is pending.