Illegal banners on NSC Bose Road disrupt traffic and pedestrians

Illegal Banners on NSC Bose Road Cause Safety Concerns

The arterial NSC Bose Road faces a new issue with illegal banners. These banners have been placed at the entrance of the Madras High Court and across the road, further limiting pedestrian space.

NSC Bose Road is a key commercial area in George Town. It houses the Madras High Court, the Deputy Commissioner of Police office, several public sector banks, and shops. This area is also an integrated transport hub, featuring the Broadway Bus Terminus and a metro station.

Advocate R. Sudha Ramalingam reported that many large vinyl banners were installed along the margins of NSC Bose Road. These banners are for the upcoming Tamil Nadu-Puducherry Bar Council election. She noted that the oversized banners are tied to electric poles or shop signboards, creating safety hazards for motorists.

Ramalingam expressed concern that advocates are ignoring the law instead of upholding it. She has filed a complaint with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) through their online portal.

S. Umapathy, a bank employee, mentioned that although the GCC paved a footpath, pedestrians cannot use it due to hawker encroachment. This forces them to walk on the narrow road.

One banner fell due to strong winds on Thursday evening, but it has not yet been removed. Officials from the Revenue and Finance Department and the Works Department of the GCC were unaware of the issue. They stated they would check if permission was granted for the banners and remove them if they are illegal. An official said, “A committee was formed by the GCC to check on problems related to illegal banners; it will review this too.”

A GCC official indicated that the fallen banner may not have been authorized by the GCC or the Collectorate. It may have been erected illegally using political influence, which is a dangerous trend. Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar also stated that GCC officials would remove the banners if they are found to be illegal.