Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that flexes, banners and hoardings will not be allowed in Bengaluru city and that the ban will be implemented by August 15.
Citing high court orders, the Deputy Chief Minister, who is also in charge of Bengaluru city’s development, said the ban is applicable to political parties, private bodies and individuals, and religious institutions, and will be implemented “very strictly”.

“In three to four days, within August 15, we are going to ban flexes in the entire Bengaluru city. No one will be allowed to put up flexes. Whether it is me or my party or political leaders or opposition parties – BJP or JD(S) – no flexes will be allowed. There are court directions in this regard,” Mr Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters, he said the court had given three weeks’ time, and instructions have been passed onto those concerned to remove all flexes and hoardings that are unauthorised.

“So no one will be allowed to put up unauthorised flexes, banners or hoardings here on. The court has said that BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) will also be fined if such flexes or hoardings come up. Those who put them up will be fined ₹ 50,000 per banner or hoarding or flex,” he said.

No hoardings or flexes of chief ministers, ministers or other political leaders will be allowed in the city, DK Shivakumar clarified, adding that the government will come up with a policy under which limited permissions are likely to be given for government or official purposes.

“The direction is to remove illegal hoardings in three weeks. So I appeal to all political parties and everyone in this regard not to put out such things for birthdays, wishing leaders or mourning deaths or regarding religious matters,” he said, adding that in case of violations, FIRs will be filed against offenders.

Already about 59,000 illegal banners and flexes have been removed and penalties have been levied, he said, adding, 134 complaints have been received and 40 FIRs registered.

Speaking about a detailed plan for decongesting traffic in Bengaluru, he said that the last day for various organisations to submit the Expression of Interest for it has been extended till August 17. He added that the government plans to call for a “global tender” for urban planning in the days ahead.

DK Shivakumar also indicated that there were plans to construct tunnels and flyovers to decongest the city’s roads.