Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 18: Despite a standing ban on plastic flex banners within the city limits, Mangaluru is witnessing a massive resurgence of illegal hoardings. Paradoxically, the premises of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) itself has become the focal point of this violation, with banners of political leaders and elected representatives adorning the entrance and surrounding walls.

The situation has sparked public outrage, with citizens accusing officials of practicing "one law for the public and another for politicians."

Violations at the heart of administration

Large flex banners related to the foundation stone laying ceremonies of various projects have been installed near the main entrance of the MCC office in Lalbagh. These banners, featuring photos of influential ministers and leaders, remain untouched even as they clearly violate urban beautification and plastic-free norms.
The infestation is not limited to Lalbagh; illegal banners have cropped up at Karavali Utsav Ground, Mannagudda, Chilimbi, and near Ambedkar Bhavan. While the MCC is quick to penalize private individuals or small businesses for similar violations in remote corners of the city, they appear to have turned a blind eye to the massive political displays at their own doorstep.

However, the MCC officials concerned offer a defensive stance that they have put up banners in front of their office on their own land for their own official programmes. All banners have been placed in authorized locations, and there is not a single unauthorized flex installed, they defend.

However, this justification has failed to appease the public, who point out that the banners obstruct footpaths and public spaces in areas like Nanthoor, Bikarnakatta, Kaikamba, Kulshekar, Bondel, and Padil. At Nanthoor, banners are seen lined up in long rows, while near Karangalpady, private congratulatory banners have been erected on footpaths, causing significant inconvenience to pedestrians.

Lack of enforcement against printers

A year ago, the MCC had held a meeting with printing press owners, warning them of heavy fines for printing illegal plastic flex banners. However, that decision appears to have remained only on paper. The absence of strict action against printers has encouraged the continued production of these banners. Even when the banners contain the contact details and addresses of those who installed them, the MCC has maintained a conspicuous silence.

The removal drives, which were once a regular feature of city administration, have largely come to a halt. As the number of political banners continues to rise, the citizens of Mangaluru are left questioning the integrity of the civic body’s environmental commitments.