Banner ban? Flexis flutter all over Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Despite flex banners being permanently banned within Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, politicians and their sidekicks continue to flout norms.
Locals in Domulguda complained of the flex banners of Congress leader P Vishnuvardhan Reddy that surfaced in Domalguda. The banners were tied to electric poles and a flag post in Domulguda on the lane where Reddy resides. Residents said such banners can turn dangerous during gusty winds.“The banners are big. Who will be held responsible in case the banner falls on some one’s head,” a female resident sought to know. This issue is now more important in light of the death of a 23-year-old techie in Chennai after a flexi banner fell on her, causing her to swerve on to the road where a truck ran over her.
Another senior citizen added that the banners also posed a threat to commuters. “The banner moves when there is a slight breeze. Will the government take responsibility if the steel and wooden frame falls on the windshield of a car,” the senior citizen asked. A private school teacher near Ameerpet said that politicians should be penalised for spoiling the city. “The torn vinyl sheets on hoardings spoil the city’s landscape. GHMC removed all the flex banners in Ameerpet put up by coaching centres. Flex banners by politicians should also be removed and they should also be penalised,” the teacher said.
Vishnuvardhan Reddy’s sidekicks put up the banners on the occasion of his birthday to impress him.
Most political parties erected flex banners on the occasion of Ganesha immersion. TRS working president KT Rama Rao has asked party workers not to spend money on advertisements, but TRS leaders don’t seem to have paid any heed.
GHMC officials say appropriate action will be taken. “The banners will be removed,” said J Shankaraiah GHMC Zonal Commissioner of Secunderabad.