Ahead of the birth centenary celebrations of former Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran in Vellore on Saturday, the Fort City has been decked up with numerous hoardings and banners of various sizes, and party flags.
A large number of banners and hoardings have come up along Anna Salai, where the celebrations are to be held on the Fort Ground. At a few places, the hoardings have eaten into the pedestrian footpath.
The party flags have been erected along the median of the National Highway-48, Anna Salai and around the Green Circle. AIADMK party cadre have erected huge hoardings along the roadsides including at Vallalar and Sathuvachari, Katpadi Road.
At least three arches have been put up along Katpadi Road and Anna Salai. As a result of the hoardings and works to erect arches, traffic movement has slowed down on arterial stretches of Katpadi Road and Anna Salai.
A cross-section of residents felt that such grandeur affected road users.
“The hoardings are obstructing traffic flow in many places. The hoardings have been erected on both sides of Anna Salai making things extremely difficult for pedestrians,” a resident said.
Officials said that they have strictly adhered to rules in permitting erection of hoardings.
“The police issue No Objection Certificate, while the Revenue Divisional Officer is authorised by the Collector to grant permission. The fee for putting up hoardings is remitted to the Vellore Corporation,” an official also said.
He added that the hoardings should be removed in three days after being erected.