Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner and Administrator of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), Darshan HV, has directed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards the mounting of flex boards on road dividers and their illegal installation in public places.
Issuing clear instructions to civic authorities, he emphasised that such practices pose serious risks to public safety and must be curbed immediately through strict enforcement.
Flex boards pose safety hazards
Darshan HV stated that flex boards installed on road dividers can be extremely dangerous, particularly for two-wheeler riders. He warned that there is a risk of these boards falling onto roads, potentially leading to fatal accidents.
“If organisers mount flexes on their own property, there is no issue. However, the MCC will not allow flex boards to be installed on road dividers under any circumstances,” he said.
He also pointed out that even government programmes have recently seen flex boards being placed on dividers, highlighting the need for uniform enforcement of rules without exceptions.
Officials told to remove illegal installations
The Deputy Commissioner has instructed MCC officials to immediately remove all unauthorised flex boards across the city. The directive applies to both private and public entities that violate regulations regarding outdoor displays.
Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant and ensure that such installations do not reappear, reinforcing the administration’s stance of “anytime, anywhere” enforcement.
Waste collection system clarified
Responding to concerns about irregular waste collection in certain areas within MCC limits, Darshan HV clarified that garbage collection schedules vary in semi-urban areas depending on the volume of waste generated.
He said that in such areas, waste is typically collected once every two days. Dry waste collection, however, is carried out across all 60 wards every Friday as part of a structured system.
LED streetlight project nearing completion
Highlighting infrastructure improvements, Darshan HV spoke about the ongoing project to replace conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights across Mangaluru.
Under this initiative, a total of 65,870 streetlights in 60 wards will be upgraded. Once completed, the city will introduce an integrated automatic switching system for streetlights under the Smart City Project.
Automatic system to improve efficiency
The new system will be controlled through a central Command and Control Centre, enabling officials to operate multiple streetlights simultaneously.
“With a single switch, 30 to 40 streetlights can be turned on or off. Under the conventional system, linemen had to visit each street individually, which was time-consuming,” he explained.
Darshan HV added that once fully implemented, all streetlights across the city’s 60 wards can be managed within 15 to 20 minutes. Initially, the system will operate in a hybrid mode combining manual and automatic controls.
Deadline set for completion
Although the contractor has requested an extension to complete the LED installation work, the Deputy Commissioner has directed officials to ensure that the project is completed by the end of June.
He also noted that newly developed roads, colonies and extended areas not covered under the original plan will be taken up separately by the City Corporation.
Conclusion
The MCC’s firm stance against illegal flex boards reflects a broader focus on public safety and urban management in Mangaluru. Alongside enforcement measures, ongoing infrastructure upgrades such as the LED streetlight project aim to improve efficiency and quality of civic services. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring safer roads and better governance through strict implementation of rules.