In poster-free zone, a riot of jarring colours

Despite earlier beautification drives, the walls of bridges such as that an 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.