Uprooted hoardings put commuters at risk in New Chandigarh

Thunderstorms over past two days have wreaked havoc in various parts of the city with uprooted trees, torn hoardings lying on the road and posing risk to road users. Residents complained that roads in Mullanpur and new Chandigarh area are littered with the debris of oversized hoardings, posing risk to residents here.

"Uprooted trees and torn hoardings pose a significant risk to road users here. Gmada should ensure that hoardings are affixed according to the mandated specifications and safety guidelines. Unauthorized, oversized hoardings are a potential risk to road users," said Arvind Puri, a social activist here.

Locals said New Chandigarh area being a real estate hub, builders and businessmen have placed hoardings, flex banners and advertisements arbitrarily here. Some of them are right next to residential areas, posing a threat in bad weather.

Residents said several trees have been uprooted here and branches dangling precariously alongside the road. On Saturday, a dried tree lay uprooted near a school playground.

Roads in Zirakpur and Kharar too were littered with flex banners. Hoardings, flex banners getting uprooted in windy conditions have become regular feature in past years in tricity.