Ban on unauthorized flex in Bengaluru, Rs 50,000 fine for breaking rules: DCM DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru: "Unauthorized flex restrictions will be imposed in Bengaluru city in the next three to four days as directed by the court. This decision will be strictly enforced. DCM and Bangalore Urban Development Minister DK Shivakumar said that if any unauthorized flex is installed, the corporation officials will register an FIR and impose a fine of Rs 50,000 per flex.

Addressing the media conference on Tuesday, Shivakumar said, “Court has given a three week deadline for unauthorized flex eviction. All unauthorized flexes of Congress, BJP, JDS, including mine and the Chief Minister's will be banned. I have appealed to our ministers and leaders in this regard. We will formulate a policy on the flex ban in the near future."

No more unauthorized flex including birthday, tribute, good message, social, political and religious issues. I request all parties and citizens to cooperate in this. If flex is to be laid by the government, time, measure, place will be fixed and permission will be given. A policy is also being formulated for this. Already 59,000 unauthorized flexes and banners have been cleared in the city. 134 complaints have been received and 40 FIRs have been registered. There is no restriction to put flex in private places. It is beyond our reach, said DCM Shivakumar.

“Remedial projects including tunnel road, flyover are being discussed for controlling traffic. Expression of interest was called for this by BDA and BBMP. It expired yesterday. But in view of the interest of more organizations to participate in this, the time has been extended by one week i.e. till August 17. A global tender has been called, he said.

He said, A metro tunnel can only run in one direction. Therefore, I have suggested that there should be a two-way road on the tunnel road. Many organizations have come forward to discuss design, financial viability.We have had many rounds of discussion on the issue of Brand Bangalore and how to solve the traffic problem of Bangalore. More than 70,000 suggestions have been received from the public, and I am going to discuss with some others and get suggestions.

Suggestions have been received from school children, senior citizens, national and international level and some organizations have been entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing and summarizing these in four or five categories. Shivakumar said, I met Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi. National highways connecting Nelamangala, Bellary, Kolar, Hosur, Mysore and the roads of Bangalore city are responsible for traffic congestion. I have requested the minister that the central government should also take responsibility for its solution. He said, "Make a plan and come."

"If the tunnel road and flyovers increase, it will encourage the use of cars. Then to the question of how traffic control is possible, he said, “We are focusing on allowing people to save time. Can't tell people not to take a car. It is not possible to control car purchases by imposing high taxes like in Singapore. It is a free country. Anyone can buy a car here. Widening inner city roads is also impossible. So we are making many plans," he replied.