Mysuru: Responding to growing concerns over the poor condition of public restrooms and non-functional e-toilets in Mysuru, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif on Monday said the civic body has initiated measures to restore and restart sanitation facilities across the city.
The commissioner stated that several public toilets which had remained closed for a long period have already been reopened and made operational. However, he acknowledged that maintenance and operational difficulties continue to affect some facilities in different parts of the city.
According to the MCC, improving sanitation infrastructure remains one of the corporation’s key priorities, particularly ahead of the monsoon season when public hygiene and drainage management become more critical.
Lack of agencies delays maintenance works
Explaining the challenges faced by the civic body, Asif said the corporation had floated tenders for the upkeep and maintenance of public toilets at minimal operational rates. However, no contractors or agencies reportedly came forward to take up the responsibility in certain locations.
The lack of interested maintenance agencies has delayed the revival and regular functioning of some public sanitation facilities, especially e-toilets installed in different parts of Mysuru.
The commissioner said some e-toilets have remained unused in areas where public demand is comparatively low, while several others have become non-functional due to recurring water supply disruptions and electrical problems.
Technical faults and logistical issues have also contributed to the poor condition of the facilities, making regular maintenance difficult.
Despite the setbacks, the commissioner assured that the corporation is actively exploring solutions and would take appropriate steps in the coming days to ensure proper maintenance and operation of public restrooms and e-toilets.
Focus on sanitation infrastructure
Officials said the MCC has been receiving complaints from residents regarding the unhygienic condition and closure of public toilets in several busy localities across the city.
Citizens have repeatedly urged the civic body to improve cleanliness and restore non-functional sanitation units, especially in markets, bus stands and public gathering areas frequently used by visitors and commuters.
Asif stressed that sanitation infrastructure plays a major role in maintaining public health standards and improving the overall urban environment.
He said the corporation is committed to strengthening public sanitation facilities and ensuring they remain accessible and functional for residents and tourists alike.
MCC intensifies monsoon preparedness
Alongside sanitation initiatives, the Mysuru City Corporation has also intensified preparations ahead of the expected onset of monsoon rainfall in the coming days.
The commissioner said precautionary measures are being implemented to manage rain-related challenges and prevent urban flooding in vulnerable areas across Mysuru city.
As part of the preparedness drive, the tender process for desilting major stormwater drains and underground drainage systems has already been completed.
Large-scale cleaning operations are expected to commence shortly to ensure uninterrupted water flow during heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of waterlogging.
Additional machinery procured for drain cleaning
Highlighting the corporation’s improved infrastructure and emergency response capacity, Asif said the MCC earlier operated with only one heavy earth-moving machine for drain-cleaning operations.
Recognising the increasing maintenance requirements across the city, the corporation has now procured three additional heavy machines to strengthen drain-cleaning efforts.
In addition, rented machinery has been allocated to each administrative zone to facilitate timely and comprehensive cleaning work throughout Mysuru.
Officials said the deployment of additional machinery is expected to speed up desilting operations and improve preparedness before monsoon showers intensify.
Measures planned to prevent flooding
The commissioner stated that all major drains and water channels in Mysuru would be cleaned over the coming days to minimise the risk of overflowing drains, waterlogging and flood-related disruptions during the rainy season.
The corporation is also coordinating closely with zonal officers and field staff to monitor flood-prone and vulnerable areas across the city.
Emergency response systems are being strengthened to ensure swift action in case of heavy rain incidents or drainage blockages during the monsoon period.
Residents have welcomed the corporation’s announcement but urged authorities to ensure that maintenance works are completed promptly before the arrival of heavy rainfall.
Civic activists also stressed the importance of regular monitoring of public toilets and drainage systems rather than seasonal interventions alone.
The MCC has assured citizens that proactive steps are being taken in advance to improve sanitation infrastructure and maintain smooth drainage operations throughout the monsoon season.