The death of Subasri, a young techie, in an accident involving a vinyl banner has sparked widespread outrage against illegal hoardings in the State. Veteran social activist ‘Traffic’ K.R. Ramaswamy, who has been crusading against the culture of erecting illegal banners for over a decade and waging a court battle against the practice, has said in an interview that at least 34 people have lost their lives to the banner culture in the State. It is the responsibility of the police to take action, he says. Excerpts:

In 2007, the then Chief Secretary issued a Government Order allowing political parties to put up banners three days before an event and two days after the event. I challenged it since it was not only causing trouble to motorists but also posing a danger to them. Since then, I have been moving the courts and seeking to get remedy. I will not give up until this [practice] comes to an end.

[Laughs] Which incident do I recall? It was not one or two! The last major incident was when I was beaten with slippers by ruling party men when I attempted to take down illegal banners put up near the University of Madras in connection with the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of a memorial for late AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa. There were so many incidents.

I worked as a PA to Minister K. Venkataswamy Naidu between 1952 and 1954. The Chief Minister of the then Madras Presidency, C. Rajaji, once visited our residence for a function. It was he who advised me to believe in myself and act in accordance with my conscience. I am only following what Rajaji told me.

There are many who keep banners. A few days ago, I pulled down banners erected by a textile shop in Thanjavur. The other day, banners were put up for a temple function in Vadapalani. Did God ask you to put up a banner? All this has to stop.

One cannot blame the political parties because it is the police who are supposed to enforce the law. Be it politicians or anyone [else], if it [putting up banners] is illegal, the police have to remove them and take action. Political parties are also threatening printers not to print banners as per the rules. Every flex banner should have details of the person who spent money on it, the officials who gave permission [for putting it up], etc. But politicians are threatening printers against incorporating these measures.

I can only say that if the rules are implemented properly, deaths due to banners can be reduced.

I can only hope that such announcements and promises are followed up with actions.

Yes, I strongly hope so. I live with hope every single day against all the challenges that come my way.