Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced stringent penalties for dumping waste on roadsides and in public places as part of its intensified Clean Mangaluru campaign, warning that violators will face heavy fines under revised enforcement measures.

Civic officials said improper waste disposal continues to be a major civic challenge, with the city currently identified as having nearly 85 garbage black spots. Despite repeated awareness drives and enforcement efforts, several wards continue to witness frequent illegal dumping of household, commercial and construction waste.

Growing concern over garbage black spots

Officials said many of the identified black spots are locations where waste is dumped repeatedly, even after being cleared multiple times by sanitation workers. These areas often turn into chronic dumping zones due to a lack of public cooperation and habitual violations.

Several wards have reported that garbage is dumped late at night or early in the morning to evade detection. In some cases, waste is thrown in vacant plots, along roadsides, near stormwater drains and in areas that have already undergone beautification works.

Civic authorities noted that continued dumping not only affects the city’s cleanliness but also leads to environmental pollution, foul odour, mosquito breeding and health risks for nearby residents.

CCTV surveillance stepped up

To strengthen enforcement and deter offenders, the MCC has installed solar-powered CCTV cameras at several vulnerable locations across the city. These cameras are designed to monitor illegal dumping activities and can be relocated to different spots based on need and emerging complaints.

However, officials admitted that violators have continued to dump waste even beneath CCTV cameras in some areas, showing a blatant disregard for civic rules. In other locations, garbage dumping has resumed soon after roads and public spaces were beautified, undermining the corporation’s efforts.

Footage captured through CCTV surveillance is being used to identify offenders and issue penalties, officials said, adding that monitoring will be further intensified in the coming days.

Awareness campaigns in local language

Alongside enforcement, the MCC has stepped up awareness campaigns to encourage responsible waste disposal among residents. Messages are being disseminated in Tulu, including slogans such as “Kajavu paadoDchi anna… kajavu paadoDchi akka,” appealing to citizens to keep the city clean and protect shared public spaces.

Officials said the use of the local language has helped reach a wider audience and foster a sense of collective responsibility. Awareness messages are being shared through public announcements, social media platforms and community interactions.

Despite these efforts, officials stressed that sustained behavioural change is essential for long-term results.

Segregation issues persist

Civic officials pointed out that improper segregation of waste remains another major issue hampering effective waste management. Complaints have been received from several wards regarding irregular waste collection and non-segregation of wet and dry waste at the household level.

In many instances, sanitation workers have reportedly left behind garbage that was not segregated, in line with existing guidelines. This has led to friction between residents and waste collection staff, as well as accumulation of garbage in certain localities.

Officials reiterated that segregation at source is mandatory and plays a crucial role in recycling, composting and reducing landfill burden. Residents were urged to cooperate by separating wet and dry waste before handing it over to collection workers.

Heavy fines for violators

Under the revised enforcement measures, anyone caught dumping waste in public places, including roadsides, vacant plots and public spaces, will be fined amounts ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹25,000, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

Officials said repeat offenders and bulk waste dumpers would face the maximum penalty. The MCC has also warned that commercial establishments and contractors found illegally disposing of waste would not be spared.

The corporation believes that imposing stiff fines, combined with surveillance and awareness, will act as a strong deterrent against illegal dumping.

Public participation key to success

Officials stressed that public cooperation is vital for the success of the Clean Mangaluru campaign. While the MCC can enforce rules and penalties, maintaining cleanliness ultimately depends on responsible behaviour by residents, shop owners and institutions.

Citizens have been encouraged to actively participate by reporting illegal dumping incidents. Residents can send photographs or videos of violations to the MCC’s designated WhatsApp number, 9449007722, to enable swift action against offenders.

Call for collective responsibility

The MCC reiterated that the aim of the campaign is not merely to penalise offenders but to create a cleaner, healthier and more liveable city for all. Officials appealed to residents to view waste management as a shared responsibility rather than solely a civic task.

With intensified surveillance, stricter fines and continued awareness efforts, the corporation hopes to significantly reduce garbage black spots and improve overall cleanliness. Authorities said consistent enforcement and community participation will be crucial in ensuring that the city remains clean and environmentally sustainable in the long run.