Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) plans to make its flex-free campaign a permanent initiative following the positive response to its drive during Dasara. The civic body has been removing unauthorised flex banners, posters and other publicity materials from public spaces to preserve the city’s appearance and reduce plastic waste.
The campaign, launched on October 7, has seen civic workers conduct clean-up operations in three shifts. According to reports, between 300kg and 500kg of publicity material is being removed and disposed of every day.
MCC Steps Up Removal of Unauthorised Banners
The drive targets unauthorised posters, banners, buntings, political advertisements, hoardings, digital signboards and cut-outs placed on public roads, at junctions and near prominent buildings and tourist destinations.
Publicity materials have frequently appeared around Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hills, the City Railway Station and KSRTC facilities. Roads leading towards Bannur, T Narasipura and Hunsur have also been affected by unauthorised displays.
Residents and civic groups have raised concerns that such materials spoil the city’s appearance, particularly around heritage structures and tourist attractions. Posters and banners put up for birthdays, weddings, political events and to welcome newly elected leaders have also contributed to the problem.
Civic Body Plans Regular Enforcement
MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha told The Times of India that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar appreciated the flex-free campaign during his visit to Mysuru for the Dasara celebrations.
Savitha said the corporation intends to continue the drive regularly instead of limiting it to the festival period. The objective is to prevent visual pollution, reduce plastic waste and protect the city’s public spaces.
The corporation’s plan follows repeated concerns that unauthorised publicity materials often return soon after removal. Oversized cut-outs and banners erected by political supporters and party activists have been a recurring issue, prompting residents and civic activists to seek stricter action against those responsible.
Rules Against Public-Space Defacement
MCC has been taking action under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981, and other applicable laws. Despite enforcement efforts, unauthorised displays continue to appear during festivals, political gatherings, private celebrations and weddings.
Residents and activists have called for accountability, including recovering the costs of removing illegal publicity materials from those who put them up.
Making the campaign permanent could help the corporation maintain more consistent enforcement throughout the year. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on regular monitoring, action against repeat violations and cooperation from political parties, organisations, event organisers and the public.
Mysuru’s flex-free initiative aims to keep roads, public spaces and heritage surroundings free from unauthorised advertisements beyond the Dasara season.