LAHORE - Most of the direction signs erected at median passage of Main Boulevard Gulberg, which are meant to guide the road-users about the location of important roads and areas have widely been encroached by the publicity stuffs specially streamers affixed by different companies. The streamers are hanging over the dark blue plates of direction signs making the formers' visibility badly affected. As the direction signs, also called informative signs, are covered with streamers, people look to be blind and disoriented, and have to ask passers-by and commuters to get to their destination. The authorities concerned seem to be indifferent over the issue which reflects its mindset to deal with public concerns vis-a-vis the encroachments by the publicity companies. Khalid Muhammad, a car-rider, while talking to this scribe expressed his disappointment over the situation, saying people were facing problems as navigation signs were not visible. "The people hailing from Gulberg had really appreciated these navigation signs," he said, "but recent situation was disappointing", he added. During survey of the main Boulevard Gulberg, this scribe saw a Pakistan-based UK national, Ali Usman, asking someone about the route leading to MM Alam Road. "Where are direction signs", he asked from the passer-by. It is to be noted that Main Boulevard Gulberg is a central road linking Ferozepur Road and Jail road and is used by thousands of motorists daily but the direction signs, which are already less in number, are invisible due to the said streamers. Giving his version on the issue, Parks and Horticulture Authority Director General Irfan Elahi said that no body was allowed to affect the visibility of the direction signs by hanging over streamers or other publicity stuffs over them. He said that PHA kept on removing streamers, banners and all sort of outdoor advertisement materials which damaged the visibility of the traffic signs, signals and direction signs. He said, "Our teams continues patrolling everywhere and takes action against the violators." Whenever and wherever any objectionable development was brought into the knowledge of the PHA administration, it comes into action to address the issue, he added Traffic Engineer and Planning Agency (TEPA) official seeking anonymity told the scribe that PHA was directly responsible in this regard. He said that under the agreement between PHA and publicity companies, no provision had been placed which could restrict former to avoid encroaching the direction signs. And even the fine has not been imposed on violation, he claimed. He said that situation would improve after Punjab government's decision to erect new road safety signs including traffic signs, direction signs, warning signs and others. He said that as many as 25 roads had been selected in this regard.