Chennai, 18 December (H.S.) : The Greater Chennai Corporation has started installing metal spikes on view cutters surrounding electrical transformers to combat the persistent problem of illegal poster pasting. While the civic body initiated the installation of these view cutters six months ago for beautification and safety, the addition of sharp spikes has triggered a divided response from city residents. Many citizens have expressed concern that these sharp protrusions pose a significant physical danger to pedestrians and children navigating the city's footpaths.

The project was originally designed to prevent garbage dumping around transformers and to shield the public from direct contact with high voltage equipment. However, logistical challenges arose as people continued to deface the new structures with posters in prominent areas like T Nagar, Anna Nagar, and Nungambakkam.

In response, authorities decided to weld spikes onto the panels to make them inaccessible for sticking bills. While some residents view this as a necessary step to maintain civic discipline, others argue that it is an inefficient use of taxpayers' money and suggest that imposing heavy fines would be a more effective deterrent.

A zonal level officer from the Teynampet zone confirmed that spikes have already been welded onto one hundred fifty seven out of three hundred seventeen view cutters in that area alone. These installations are visible along major stretches such as Nelson Manickam Road and Valluvar Kottam High Road.

Officials maintain that the measures are essential to control the poster menace, though residents like K Raj Kumar warn that the spikes could lead to life threatening situations in crowded spots. The Corporation continues to monitor the effectiveness of these measures across both main and interior roads.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary