Streets overrun by banners as waste crisis deepens

The city’s streets have become a glaring reflection of misplaced priorities, with banners and hoardings displaying everywhere since the municipal corporation elections were announced.

From campaign posters, seeking votes, to thank-you banners after the results, and now massive congratulatory hoardings for the newly elected Mayor, public spaces are drowning in visual clutter. Residents are questioning why elected representatives, who promised to address pressing civic issues, are adding to the city's already dire waste problem.

Residents are voicing their anger over the issue, questioning the insensitivity of those in power. "Why do people need to put up huge banners, congratulating the Mayor? Everyone already knows who won – it’s in the news everywhere. This isn’t a celebration; it’s pollution," said Kavita Sharma, a local resident. She emphasized that such displays not only tarnished the city’s appearance, but also contributed to a growing garbage problem that showed no sign of resolution.

The city already generates over 500 tonnes of waste every day and dumping sites across neighbourhoods are overwhelmed. These spaces have become breeding grounds for diseases, with surrounding areas turning into complete wastelands. “Leaders promised to tackle the city’s problems, yet they’re busy glorifying themselves with unnecessary posters. Do they realise how many lives this mounting waste is affecting?” asked Rajesh Ahuja, another resident.

Despite some councillors making an effort to remove banners after the elections, the lack of a proper disposal system has created an even bigger challenge. Election materials, largely made of plastic and non-biodegradable materials, continue to choke dumping grounds with no recycling plans in place. “It’s not enough to just take them down. Where will all this waste go? We need stricter laws to ban these banners altogether,” said Aarti Verma, a school teacher.

Residents have urged the newly elected Mayor to take immediate steps to address the problem, starting with banning hoardings and promoting sustainable practices. “Congratulate the Mayor personally or use social media – why does the city need to suffer for someone’s vanity?” said Deepak Malhotra, a shop owner. Many residents are calling for a shift to digital campaigning, eco-friendly materials and stricter enforcement of waste management policies to prevent further deterioration.