Of late it is observed that several posters, banners, hoardings and flags of political parties are put up on electric poles all across the state. This not only presents an ugly sight but could also obstruct the view of motorists. These posters and party flags at times come off due to the wind and fall on the roads posing risk to two-wheeler riders. As the election date approaches, more electric poles will be “decorated” with such advertisement material of political parties. Electric poles are meant for carrying electric wires and not for placing advertisements. It is learnt that the Electricity Department has issued directions to remove all unauthorized hoardings, posters and other banners placed on electric poles across the state with immediate effect. This is a step in the right direction. Zero tolerance should be shown in this regard. No permission should be given by the department for placing banners of political parties on electric poles and other assets of the electricity department including electric transformers. Action needs to be taken against those who place banners and hoardings on electric poles without any authorization. Banners, posters, flags, hoardings of political parties on trees along the roads by fixing them with long metal nails should also be disallowed as it can harm the trees.
