Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 18: In the aftermath of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Mangaluru, the city is now grappling with an unexpected menace – falling flex boards fluttering precariously in the coastal winds.

Ahead of the CM’s visit, hundreds of large flex banners were erected across Mangaluru city, as well as in Thokkottu and Ullal regions, in a bid to welcome the leader. While many of these boards within the city limits were swiftly removed post-event on Saturday, several flexes installed in rural and semi-urban areas continue to pose a serious risk to public safety.

Near the Thokkottu flyover, large “Manaso Ichche” flexes have either collapsed or are dangerously leaning onto the roads. Banners have been placed so close to one another that they are now obstructing public movement.

In some cases, the boards – fixed with heavy wooden supports – have tumbled during windy spells, raising concerns especially for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.

The situation has worsened with some of these flexes rolling onto the roads, particularly during vehicular movement, creating a life-threatening scenario. Shockingly, despite repeated complaints from locals, authorities have failed to take action.

In Mannagudde too, flex boards installed prior to the CM’s programme remained in place even after the event concluded. Corporation officials have reportedly not responded to public appeals, allowing the unsafe structures to linger.

As the city moves on from the political fanfare, citizens are now urging the Mangaluru City Corporation and concerned departments to remove the remaining flexes at the earliest and implement stricter regulations on unauthorised installations in public spaces.