City mayor refuses to remove red beacon

The red beacon is a much sought after frill despite the Apex Court frowning at its use and the Union government giving clear directives banning the device.

Nonetheless, Sena leader and Mumbai mayor Vishwanath Mahadeswar has got embroiled in a controversy, owing to his abject refusal to remove the device from his recently bought Innova Crysta.

This Union government’s directive on the banned beacon was issues to all ministers, legislators, Member of Parliament and other political dignitaries. But Mahadeswar claims he has received no government circular seeking the removal of the beacon.

"I have not received the Government Regulation which states that a mayor also has to adhere to the new set of rules. My car still has a beacon but it is duly covered. Also, until I receive an official GR, I will not remove it."

The Mayor also denies receiving any notice from the Regional Transport Office for the removal of the beacon. According to the RTO officials, they had sent a copy of the rules to the BMC transport department officials which clearly state who all are allowed to use the beacon on their vehicles.

Anant Bagwatkar, Executive Engineer of BMC (transport), however, says that a general notification was indeed received from Tardeo RTO on October 13, 2017, and on that day itself he personally informed the Mayor regarding the banned red beacon; he was also told that officials can use it only during disaster time (natural or manmade).