Mangaluru: Drive to remove unauthorized flexes and banners begins

Mangaluru: The city municipal corporation has initiated a crackdown on illegal flexes and banners erected across the city. As part of the drive, the removal operation began in the Surathkal area on Saturday. Officials stated that this campaign will extend across the entire city under the corporation’s jurisdiction.

There have been complaints from citizens about the unchecked proliferation of illegal flexes and banners. A special report published in Udayavani Sudina on November 16 highlighted the issue, prompting swift action from the authorities.

In Surathkal and surrounding areas, the removal drive is being led by Revenue Officer Sushanth. The corporation has instructed that only authorized flexes and banners be installed in designated areas. Operations will expand to other parts of the city starting Tuesday.

Problems Caused by Unauthorized Flexes

As per rules, plastic flexes are banned in the city, and cloth banners require prior approval from the corporation, along with a fee based on their size. They can only be displayed for a specified duration, after which they are deemed unauthorized.

Despite this, most banners and flexes in the city are illegal, installed without any permission. They are often placed recklessly, causing obstructions to pedestrians and vehicles. In some cases, fallen flexes have resulted in injuries. Public pressure has been mounting for stricter measures to curb this menace.