Mangaluru: Illegal flexes and banners return to city streets

Unauthorized flexes and banners have once again mushroomed across the city, creating significant inconvenience for both the public and motorists. Despite forming special teams earlier to tackle the issue, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) seems to have slackened its enforcement efforts. Even as these illegal hoardings blatantly rise near the MCC office, there appears to be a delay in taking action.

Rules on Banners Ignored

As per regulations, only cloth banners are permitted in the city. However, this rule is being flagrantly violated. Areas such as Bejai, Lalbagh, Pumpwell, KPT, Ballalbagh, Hampankatte, Clock Tower, PVS, Nanthoor, Padil, Kulasekhar, Urwa Store, and KS Rao Road have been inundated with illegal plastic flexes and banners.

In an earlier attempt to remove unauthorized banners, MCC had set up three teams under the leadership of revenue officers. These teams, consisting of around ten officials each, were instructed to identify and remove illegal banners and take necessary action. However, these teams are no longer conducting major operations.

Official Guidelines on Banners

According to MCC officials, permission for banners is limited to cloth banners. Individuals or organizations wishing to put up advertisements must obtain prior approval from the MCC’s revenue department. A 6×5-foot cloth banner is permitted for up to 15 days for a fee of Rs 200. The banner must be stamped by MCC and installed in a non-hazardous location. Any banner not removed after the stipulated period is deemed illegal.

Traffic Islands Targeted

Traffic islands, built to enhance the city’s aesthetics, have now become hotspots for illegal banner installations. Many traffic islands, including those at Pumpwell and KS Rao Road, are cluttered with banners, leaving little space for directional signboards and inconveniencing commuters.

Flexes Outside MCC Office

Despite imposing hefty fines for unauthorized installations, banners continue to thrive even near the MCC office. Many of these banners advertise government programs, including those featuring ministers, raising questions from the public about how such permissions are granted.