City skyline cluttered with New Year hoardings

Bhubaneswar: The city’s skyline is turning into a cluttered canvas of unauthorised posters, banners, and flex boards as individuals, organisations, and political outfits compete to convey New Year greetings.From major junctions to road medians, the surge of festive messages sparked concerns over visual pollution and traffic safety. At several open places, these posters are placed dangerously, blocking the view of commuters.Several prominent intersections, including Acharya Vihar Square, Jaydev Vihar Square, and Master Canteen Square, are plastered with banners that not only diminish Bhubaneswar’s planned aesthetic but also obstruct commuters’ visibility.Road medians, traffic posts, and even the already installed information and directional signages became hotspots for these displays, creating distractions for motorists and posing potential hazards.Urban planners and civic activists warn that the unchecked proliferation of such materials undermines the city’s image. “These banners are not just an eyesore, they compromise road safety by blocking sightlines at busy junctions,” said PV Raman, a local activist.

He said there are designated places for putting up hoardings, which should be used instead of public spaces. “This year, the practice of putting up these hoardings crossed all limits,” Raman added.Despite municipal regulations prohibiting unauthorised hoardings and flex boards, enforcement remains weak. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is yet to launch a crackdown.Officials admit that the challenge lies in the sheer volume of banners and involvement of influential groups.

“They put up the banners soon after we remove them. We need adequate manpower for this kind of enforcement,” a civic body official said.Commuters echo the frustration. “It is hard to spot traffic signals when these boards are everywhere. We are almost blinded by these unauthorised hoardings. They also pose a serious distraction,” Nitesh Mohapatra, a motorist at Jaydev Vihar Square, said.Another commuter, Priyanka Behera, added that the city looks messy. “Authorities should act before this becomes a permanent problem. The banners and posters should be removed immediately,” she urged.Mayor Sulochana Das said they will soon launch a crackdown on these hoardings that are put up in public places. “At the same time, we urge everyone to refrain from such activities,” she said.