Bengaluru: At a time when Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda is leading a crackdown on footpath encroachments and shifting street vendors off pavements, another hazard continues to occupy the city’s footpaths, particularly in his Byatarayanapura assembly constituency.Flex banners of various sizes, put up by political parties, businesses and educational institutions, line roads such as Thanisandra Main Road, Jakkur Main Road and KV Jairam Road.The banners include those from the minister’s earlier events, such as ‘Lake Run’ and ‘Nammura Hemme’. A large number of oversized banners were also erected ahead of the birthday celebrations of local BJP leader Thammesh Gowda, who contested against Byre Gowda in the 2023 assembly elections. Banners put up by JD(S), besides advertisements inviting admissions to schools and colleges, were also seen.While some banners obstruct pedestrian movement by occupying footpaths, many others are tied to electricity and streetlight poles and traffic signboards. Several were seen swaying in the wind, raising concerns about public safety.With Bengaluru witnessing frequent spells of rain and gusty winds, residents said the loosely fastened banners could fall on pedestrians or passing vehicles. Several citizens have also highlighted the issue on social media, tagging the minister and civic authorities, seeking immediate action.The area falls under Bengaluru North city corporation. Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar told TOI, “We have been removing illegal banners across the city. Our workers may currently be engaged in the ongoing footpath clearance drive, but we will get these banners removed immediately as they pose a safety risk.”
