Viman Nagar residents carried out a voluntary flex-removal drive early this morning, determined to reclaim their locality from the flood of unauthorized banners. Despite heavy rains at 5:30 am, citizens gathered and began the drive by 5:45 am, successfully removing nearly 40–50 flexes as a team.
Prior to the drive, residents had requested the PMC sky sign department staff, who were recently in the area removing a few flexes of private classes, to also clear the other banners. However, they were informed that the remaining flexes would only be removed after Navratri. With the nuisance worsening each day, residents decided to step in themselves.
While removing these banners, they discovered a disturbing trend—newer flexes had been pasted over older ones, creating multiple hidden layers. Temples, schools, gardens, shop signboards, “No Parking” boards, and even electric poles had been completely covered, leaving no public or community space untouched.
“This has become like a viral fever—spreading everywhere without control. From traffic signages to shop names, not a single spot has been spared,” said a participant.
Residents emphasized that the drive was not political but a civic initiative to reduce visual pollution and restore cleanliness in public spaces. They urged the Pune Municipal Corporation to take timely and fearless action against such flexes.
“We stepped out in the rain to do what was needed. Now we request PMC to act firmly so citizens don’t have to fight this menace alone,” said another resident.
The group concluded the drive with slogans such as “No more flex, no more mess!” and launched the hashtag #FlexFreeVimanNagar to continue spreading awareness and encourage more citizens to join future drives.
