Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru

Mysuru, May 7: In a bid to tackle the persistent problem of public urination outside the KSRTC suburban bus stand, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has implemented an innovative solution.

Reflective stainless steel sheets, functioning like mirrors, have been installed along the pedestrian pathway on the Bengaluru-Nilgiri road opposite the bus stand. The primary objective of this installation is to embarrass and deter individuals from urinating in the open.

Spanning an 85-meter stretch, these shiny stainless steel frames act as a mirror. Anyone attempting to urinate in public will see their own reflection and realize they are visible to passersby, which authorities hope will discourage the unhygienic practice.

Previously, the area was plagued by a severe stench, making it highly inconvenient for pedestrians, particularly women and children, to walk through. Despite the availability of public restrooms inside the bus stand, many individuals resorted to relieving themselves in the roadside stormwater drain.

With warning boards and previous instructions failing to curb the menace, the city corporation identified the stretch as a major "Yellow Spot" and initiated immediate measures to address the issue.

While planning the project, authorities initially considered installing actual glass mirrors, mica glass, or acrylic sheets. However, stainless steel was eventually chosen for its cost-effectiveness and long-term durability.

The metal frames have been securely welded to the roadside. Furthermore, to ensure the area remains under surveillance during the night, a lighting system connected to the streetlights has been integrated into the setup.

Civic authorities believe that this unique effort will not only curb the nuisance of public urination but also play a significant role in upholding and enhancing Mysuru's reputation as a clean and tourist-friendly city.

According to initial reports, the strategy is already yielding positive results, with the reflective sheets successfully deterring people from using the spot as a public urinal.