Pune : Kalyani Nagar residents irked with visual pollution caused by flex 

Several flex & banners put up at Central Avenue and South Avenue have troubled Kalyani Nagar residents.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Jaffer Iqbal, a resident of Kalyani Nagar said, “All these flex & banners put up on poles etc pollute the entire area. The cheapest form of advertisement is these banners. Hundreds of banners are put up in Kalyani Nagar which is not at all good. Due to such flexes, the entire area looks very dirty. PMC must fine such people heavily. Every time, we can’t complain to the PMC. They must take action on their own.”

Rachna Agarwal, a resident of Kalyani Nagar said, “The responsible people must be held responsible & fined. Especially educational institutions that put up such flexes. This is wrong. The flex must be put up only at licensed places & not at every nook & corner in Kalyani Nagar.”

Another resident of Kalyani Nagar, requesting anonymity said, “The audacious act by schools and hotels, defying traffic norms and adorning No Parking signs with flex banners, is not just a violation of law but a disappointing disregard for civic responsibility. Residents alerted the traffic in-charge Shailesh Sankhe and in just 10 minutes this was removed. Hats off to Sankhe sir for a prompt response. Such actions by an educational institution set a bad example for students and tarnish the image of the neighborhood. Let’s hope for swift corrective measures and a commitment from all to respect the rules that safeguard our streets and maintain the charm of Kalyani Nagar.”

As per further information, some of the following problems happen due to the flexes:

·  Eyesore on Kalyani Nagar streets:

The towering and intrusive flex banners, prominently placed, have transformed the landscape into an eyesore. The advertisements, meant to grab attention, have unfortunately succeeded in catching the ire of residents who value the visual appeal of their surroundings. The flex banners, in particular, have been spotted far beyond Kalyani Nagar, defacing areas such as FC Road.

·  The predicament of plastic pollution:

The use of flex banners exacerbates the already pressing issue of plastic pollution. These non-biodegradable materials contribute significantly to environmental degradation. Kalyani Nagar, known for its educated and environmentally conscious residents, finds itself grappling with a contradiction as esteemed brands engage in practices that directly contribute to plastic pollution.

·  Disappointment among educated residents:

Kalyani Nagar boasts a well-educated and discerning population that appreciates aesthetics and is environmentally conscious. Residents express disappointment in opting for an advertising method that contradicts the values of the community. The expectation is that reputed brands should uphold higher standards in their promotional activities, opting for legal and environmentally friendly mediums to convey their messages.

·  Legal implications and responsible advertising:

Flex banners in unauthorized areas raise legal concerns. The practice not only violates aesthetic norms but also flouts regulations. Residents argue that established brands, known for hosting upscale events, can easily afford to invest in legal advertising channels such as newspapers, television, and online platforms. This not only adheres to the law but also aligns with the community’s preferences.

Hasham Patel, PMC Sky Signs Department, Vadgaon Sheri said, “We will inspect the issue & resolve it.”

Shreyas Vange