Bengaluru: Even as the Karnataka government intensifies its drive to clear footpath encroachments and relocate street vendors, illegal flex banners continue to clutter several roads in Bengaluru, obstructing pedestrians and posing potential safety risks.
The issue has been reported from Byatarayanapura Assembly constituency, represented by Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, where banners belonging to political parties, educational institutions and businesses continue to occupy footpaths and public spaces.
Banners block pavements and public spaces
Residents have pointed to roads such as Thanisandra Main Road, Jakkur Main Road and K.V. Jairam Road, where flex banners of varying sizes have been installed on footpaths, electricity poles, streetlight poles and traffic signboards.
Among the banners are those from earlier programmes associated with the minister, including ‘Lake Run’ and ‘Nammura Hemme’. Oversized banners erected ahead of the birthday celebrations of local BJP leader Thammesh Gowda, along with advertisements from political parties, schools and colleges, were also seen in the area.
Residents raise safety concerns
Citizens have expressed concern that several loosely tied banners sway during strong winds and heavy rain, creating a risk of falling onto pedestrians or passing vehicles.
Many residents have also taken to social media, tagging the minister and civic authorities while urging immediate removal of the illegal structures.
Civic body promises action
The affected area falls under the jurisdiction of the Bengaluru North City Corporation.
Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar said the civic body has been removing illegal banners across the city and assured that the banners in the area would also be cleared.
He noted that while civic workers are currently engaged in the ongoing footpath clearance drive, action would be taken soon as the banners pose a public safety hazard.
The issue has renewed calls for stricter enforcement against illegal hoardings and flex banners to ensure safer, obstruction-free footpaths for pedestrians.