Reported by Sasanka Talukdar
Bajali: Residents and commuters in Assam’s Pathsala town have raised concerns over several oversized iron-frame advertisement hoardings installed atop buildings along busy roadside areas, warning of possible accidents during storms and strong winds.
Many of the large structures have been erected above commercial buildings near crowded roads and market areas in Bajali district.
Locals alleged that some of the hoarding frames appear weak and unsafe, particularly ahead of the monsoon season when the region frequently experiences heavy rain and strong winds.
Commuters and shopkeepers fear that the structures, or parts of them, could collapse during severe weather, posing risks to pedestrians, vehicles and nearby shops.
Several residents have demanded immediate inspection of rooftop hoardings by the concerned authorities and removal of structures deemed unsafe before any untoward incident occurs.
They have also urged the administration to enforce stricter safety regulations governing the installation of large advertisement structures in densely populated and high-traffic areas.
Locals said public safety should take precedence over commercial advertising, especially in busy market zones frequented by hundreds of people daily.