Mysuru City Corporation issues notices to 382 abandoned vehicles

The Mysuru City Corporation has issued notices to 382 vehicles that were identified as abandoned or unused on public roads and footpaths, a move that underscores the municipal authority’s growing emphasis on maintaining urban order and aesthetic standards. The notice, released in a formal statement on Monday, highlights that the presence of such vehicles not only hampers the free flow of traffic but also detracts from the cleanliness and visual appeal of the city, which is renowned for its heritage sites and cultural vibrancy. According to the corporation’s transport department, the vehicles in question were found scattered across a range of locations, from bustling market streets in the city centre to quieter residential lanes, indicating a widespread issue that transcends any single neighbourhood.The notice process, which began in early June, involved a systematic survey carried out by a joint team of municipal engineers, traffic police and municipal ward officers..

The team employed a combination of manual inspections and geotagged photographic evidence to catalog each vehicle, noting registration numbers, condition of the vehicle and the exact location. In instances where the vehicle’s owner could be identified through the registration details, a formal notice was dispatched to the registered address, giving the owner a stipulated period to either remove the vehicle or present a valid justification for its continued presence. The corporation warned that failure to comply would result in the vehicle being towed and possibly auctioned, with any proceeds directed to cover towing and storage costs.City officials say the problem of abandoned vehicles has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including a rise in private vehicle ownership, inadequate enforcement of existing parking regulations and a lack of affordable, designated parking spaces in congested zones..

The statement referenced a recent study conducted by the Mysuru Urban Planning Institute, which found that approximately 8 per cent of the city’s road network is effectively reduced in capacity due to illegally parked vehicles. The study also indicated that the visual impact of these vehicles is particularly noticeable in heritage areas such as the Chamundi Hill foothills and the Brindavan Garden precincts, where unregulated parking disrupts the aesthetic harmony that attracts both domestic and international tourists.Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the crackdown. While many welcome the initiative, citing improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, others have raised concerns about the practical challenges of finding alternative parking, especially in densely populated districts where street parking is the only feasible option for many..

Nagar area, who wished to remain anonymous, told the newsroom that “the streets are already narrow, and with every new development, we get even less room to park. The corporation needs to provide more viable solutions rather than just penalising owners.” Conversely, a shopkeeper near the Devaraja Market welcomed the move, noting that the removal of abandoned vehicles has already made it easier for customers to access her store, and that the reduction in clutter contributes to a cleaner shopping environment.The corporation’s response to the concerns raised by citizens includes a proposal to expand the city’s parking infrastructure by 20 per cent over the next two years. This plan, outlined in the municipal budget for the fiscal year 2026‑27, earmarks funds for the construction of multi‑level parking complexes in high‑density zones, as well as the introduction of smart parking solutions that use real‑time data to guide drivers to available spots..

Additionally, the city intends to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at educating vehicle owners about the legal ramifications of leaving cars unattended on public thoroughfares for extended periods. The campaign will be disseminated through local media, social platforms and community outreach programmes in collaboration with resident welfare associations.In parallel, the Mysuru traffic police have been instructed to increase patrols in identified hotspots, employing both static monitoring stations and mobile units equipped with license‑plate recognition technology. This technology, which was piloted in a limited capacity earlier this year, enables officers to quickly cross‑reference a vehicle’s registration details against a database of outstanding notices and violations..

When a match is found, officers can issue an on‑the‑spot warning or arrange for immediate removal, depending on the severity of the offence and the vehicle’s condition. The integration of this technology is expected to streamline the enforcement process and reduce the administrative burden associated with manual checks.Legal experts point out that the corporation’s authority to issue such notices is grounded in the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, which empower local bodies to regulate the use of public roads and footpaths for the purpose of maintaining public order. Under these rules, vehicles deemed to be “abandoned” or “unused” for a period exceeding 30 days can be subject to removal, with the owner liable for all associated costs..

However, the experts caution that due process must be observed to avoid potential challenges in court, emphasizing the importance of clear documentation and adequate notice periods. “Municipalities have a duty to balance enforcement with fairness,” said an attorney specialising in municipal law, who declined to be named. “If the notices are not served correctly or the owners are not given reasonable time to respond, they could contest the action, leading to legal delays and additional costs for the city.”The issue of abandoned vehicles is not unique to Mysuru; several other Indian cities have grappled with similar challenges as urbanisation accelerates and road space becomes increasingly scarce..

In Bangalore, for instance, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has implemented a “no-parking” policy in certain high‑traffic corridors, backed by automated ticketing and a robust towing mechanism. Meanwhile, Chennai’s municipal corporation has introduced a “vehicle retrieval” service, where owners can reclaim their towed vehicles at designated centres after paying a stipulated fee. These models provide potential reference points for Mysuru as it seeks to refine its own approach.Community leaders and non‑governmental organisations focused on urban sustainability have urged the city to adopt a more holistic strategy that combines enforcement with incentives for responsible parking behaviour..

Proposals include offering discounted parking permits for residents who regularly use public transport, introducing car‑sharing schemes to reduce the total number of privately owned vehicles, and creating pedestrian‑only zones that encourage walking and cycling. Such initiatives, they argue, could address the root causes of illegal parking while also contributing to broader environmental goals, such as reducing air pollution and greenhouse‑gas emissions.The corporation’s statement concluded by reiterating its commitment to preserving Mysuru’s reputation as a “clean, green and heritage‑rich” city. It called upon citizens to cooperate with the authorities, reminding them that “the collective responsibility of every resident, commuter and business owner is essential to ensure that our streets remain safe, accessible and visually appealing.” The notice to the 382 vehicle owners is set to expire on 15 October, after which any unclaimed or unremoved vehicles will be.