Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 14: In a bid to restore the city’s aesthetics and curb environmental damage, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has intensified its crackdown on plastic flex banners, imposing a complete ban and warning of stringent penalties for violators. The new measures, set to take effect from March 15, include heavy fines and potential license cancellations for repeat offenders.
At a meeting held by the MCC revenue department on Thursday, flex and banner printers were strictly informed that plastic flex banners would no longer be allowed anywhere in the city. Authorities warned that any violation would result in immediate penalties, and persistent offenders could face the revocation of their trade licenses.
Determined to make Mangaluru a flex-free city, MCC has already launched a large-scale removal drive. While fabric banners will still be permitted, they can only be installed in designated locations with prior approval from the corporation. The new regulations also specify that banners cannot be placed at key locations such as road dividers, junctions, circles, islands, and major roads, including areas like KPT, Nanthoor, and Pumpwell. Additionally, every fabric banner must display the printer’s name and contact details; otherwise, it will not be approved. MCC has also mandated that all printed banners be submitted for clearance before installation.
The recent meeting saw the attendance of only 19 out of the 32 registered flex and banner printers. With increasing public opposition to illegal banners, MCC revenue officials emphasized that strict enforcement would follow without exception. The corporation has already removed over 200 plastic flex banners and more than 100 fabric banners in the past week alone. In the last two days, officials have taken down 85 unauthorized fabric banners, 17 large cutouts measuring 10x15 feet, and 49 cutouts of 10x10 feet.
Despite the existing ban, illegal flex banners, particularly those promoting political figures, continue to appear across the city. To counter this, MCC has announced that from March 15 onward, newly installed plastic flex banners will attract a fine of Rs 2,000. Printers who repeatedly violate the rules risk having their trade licenses revoked.
Even as MCC enforces stricter regulations, political pressure on banner printers has made the process more challenging. Several influential politicians have reportedly issued recommendation letters to printers, urging authorities to permit their banners. During the recent MCC meeting, some printers arrived with such letters, attempting to pressurize officials. Certain private organizations have also been accused of using legislators’ and ministers’ names to intimidate civic authorities.
Moving forward, MCC has clarified that only fabric banners with prior permission will be allowed, and they must be removed once their permitted period ends. If banners remain beyond the allowed duration, an initial fine of Rs 400 will be imposed. Further inaction could result in the cancellation of the printer’s trade license.
With an intensive clearance drive set to continue in the coming days, MCC is determined to ensure that Mangaluru becomes a flex-free city. Deputy commissioner of the Revenue Department, Akshata, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment, stating that a full-scale removal operation will be carried out soon, making Mangaluru completely free of plastic flex banners.