Pune: Viman Nagar Struggles To Maintain Its Aesthetic As Flex Boards Suffocate The Area
Anaum Shaikh
Viman Nagar, 20th September 2023: The bustling neighbourhood of Viman Nagar finds itself scuffling with an enduring issue of the proliferation of flex boards. These plastic sheets, frequently utilized for advertising and decorative purposes, have become a persistent nuisance in the locality, raising environmental concerns and posing a threat to public safety. Despite numerous campaigns aimed at discouraging their use, educated individuals persist in installing them during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and festivals.
Flex banners are fabricated from non-biodegradable plastic materials, thus contributing to pollution and posing a threat to local flora and fauna. It creates visual clutter that diminishes the beauty of the locality and negatively impacts the overall ambiance. The banners frequently obstruct visibility at road junctions and pedestrian crossings, potentially leading to accidents. The flex boards that advertise private events, especially birthdays, contravene the purpose of public spaces and are reportedly erected without the requisite permissions.
Raja Subramani, a frustrated resident of Viman Nagar said, “The flex boards are sporadic but are usually found at Chowks (intersections), in the corners of the roads, lamp poles, and trees. They block the view of the roads and hide traffic signs posing the risk of accidents. Under harsh weather conditions, they may collapse as well. I often tweet to PMC Care and the authorities take them down the next morning, but this is a recurring problem. I try to remove the stapled posters on trees whenever I find one but PMC should impose fines to prevent the installation of flex boards.”
Qaneez Sukhrani, an activist, added, “I had filed a PIL in the High Court in 2014 and in 2017 the court ruled in our favour but no changes were made by the government or the police. So, in 2018 I filed a contempt petition. We lost two years to COVID-19, but the case is still going on. This is a big issue awaiting judicial action.“
The residents of Viman Nagar earnestly beseech the relevant authorities and individuals to unite in eradicating this persistent problem. In an age dominated by digital communication, where information and celebrations can be effortlessly shared through social media, the continued use of flex banners appears antiquated and counterproductive.
A substantial number of resources, including time, money, and materials, are squandered on the production and installation of flex banners. Flex banners can erode the sense of community pride by transforming vibrant public spaces into eyesores. It is dutiful to uphold the principles of cleanliness, aesthetics, and sustainability that define our localities.
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