Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 29: Dumping waste along roadsides in Mangaluru will now invite hefty penalties, as the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has decided to intensify enforcement under its ‘Clean Mangaluru’ campaign.
The waste management issue has emerged as a major challenge for the civic body. According to available data, as many as 85 locations across the city have been identified as black spots, with almost every ward affected. Although the MCC has implemented several measures in the past to curb the problem, the efforts have not yielded the desired results. In view of this, the corporation has stepped up action against violators and decided to strictly enforce penalties.
To keep a close watch on offenders, solar-powered CCTV cameras have been installed at various locations across the city. These cameras can be shifted from one place to another. However, in some areas, waste heaps continue to be found even directly below these cameras. In certain black spot locations that have been beautified by the MCC, incidents of waste dumping are still being reported.
As part of its awareness drive, the MCC has launched campaigns in Tulu with messages such as “Kajavu padodchi anna… kajavu padodchi akka”, urging citizens not to dump waste. The corporation is also spreading the message, “This is my city, keeping it clean is my responsibility,” to encourage public participation.
There are also complaints from some wards that waste is not collected daily. In several households, waste is not segregated into wet and dry categories. Sanitation workers reportedly leave unsegregated waste at the spot itself. Officials have pointed out that public cooperation is crucial in maintaining cleanliness in the city.
The MCC has announced that strict action will be taken against those who spoil the city’s appearance by dumping waste in public places. A fine ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 25,000 will be imposed on violators. Members of the public can also send photographs of offenders dumping waste to the WhatsApp number 9449007722. MCC officials have appealed to citizens to actively participate in making Mangaluru a clean city.