Mangaluru City Corporation Ramps Up Anti-Littering Efforts with Strict Penalties
In response to escalating public grievances concerning unsightly black spots across the city, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has significantly bolstered its anti-littering initiative. This intensified drive targets both individuals and commercial establishments found guilty of discarding waste in public areas, with officials actively issuing penalties to curb this environmental menace.
Recent Enforcement Actions Yield Substantial Fines
Over the past week, MCC authorities have been proactive in their enforcement, collecting thousands of rupees in fines from various violators throughout Mangaluru. Notable cases include:
- A medical practitioner in Kuloor was slapped with a Rs 3,000 fine for illegally disposing of hazardous biomedical waste near the Kuloor bridge. An official emphasized that such waste must strictly be handed over to authorized processing facilities to prevent health risks.
- Utilizing CCTV footage as evidence, health officials penalized a private-college student residing in a rented accommodation on Kongurumath Road in Kulasekhara. A joint operation, spearheaded by health inspector Bhaskar C., resulted in a Rs 2,000 fine for the student.
- A branded showroom located at Lalbagh on MG Road faced a Rs 2,000 fine and was compelled to clean up the garbage it had dumped roadside. Additionally, a restaurant on Kavoor–Marakada Road, an eatery near the KSRTC bus stand in Bejai, and several other commercial outlets were fined during this period.
Strategic Meeting and Community Involvement
To address waste management holistically, a pivotal meeting was convened on January 30 at the MCC Kadri Zone office. Zonal commissioner Rekha Shetty highlighted that participants, including environmental advocates like Nagaraj Bajal from Green Brigade and Umanath Kotekar from Awake Kudla, provided valuable suggestions. The session, attended by Kadri zone environmental engineer Sushanth, health inspectors, supervisors, cleanliness supervisors, and community mobilisers, aimed to integrate essential recommendations into the city's cleanliness framework.
Official Statements and Public Appeal
MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik underscored that achieving a 'Beautiful Mangaluru' is a shared responsibility. He stated, "Keeping our city clean is not just the MCC's job; it is our duty. Strict action is now being taken against those who litter and spoil the city's beauty by throwing garbage on roadsides or empty spaces. Violators will be fined heavily, ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 25,000."
In a bid to foster community participation, Naik urged residents to report littering incidents by capturing photos and sending them via WhatsApp to the dedicated number: 9449007722. This collaborative approach aims to enhance surveillance and ensure swift action against offenders, reinforcing the city's commitment to maintaining public hygiene and aesthetic appeal.
