Setting a model for the State, the Payyoli grama panchayat has kicked of a campaign to clear the region off all unwanted flex boards. Clubs, political parties and the police have joined hands to make the ‘flex-free’ campaign a grand success.
The plan is to clear up flex boards and only allow cloth banners. The campaign was initiated in the backdrop of the High Court order directing government agencies to clear obstacles that can become a hindrance for pedestrians.
The campaign mandates pulling down the flex boards currently put up in various parts of the panchayat and has ordered that only banners made of cloth be allowed.
The panchayat has also ordered the removal of flex boards hoisted by clubs or organisation disregarding the order. Despite being in its teething stage, the Flex free campaign has proved to be a success, says K T Sindhu, Payyoli gram panchayat president. “Removal of flex boards is just the first stage. The second step is to strongly implement the use of cloth banners.
The flex-free campaign, which started in coordination with the political parties, various clubs organisations and public is making big strides,” she adds. “The campaign commenced in June. Nearly 90 per cent of the flexes were removed in one months time. Certain organisations are resisting our restriction on flexes as cloth banners are costly,” said Payyoli SI, N Rajesh Kumar. The panchayat has ordered that any club, organisation or political party can hoist a flex two days before the programme. However, it was informed by a panchayat official that the initial stage is just namesake and that the campaign is still under discussion. “The campaign is yet to reach its implementation stage. The steering committee had mentioned about the campaign and it is yet to reach the board meeting. Certain political parties are still putting up flex boards,” said the source.