Mangaluru: Sri Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust, which has been actively involved in social service initiatives for over a decade, has announced the launch of a new project under cluster-2 of its ‘Awake Kudla’ concept. As part of this initiative, the trust will begin a door-to-door waste collection programme covering around 1,000 houses in the Mulihitlu area, which falls within the limits of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).
The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening community participation in waste management and civic responsibility. The trust aims to complement the efforts of the civic administration by ensuring better segregation, collection and processing of waste at the household level.
A decade-long engagement with civic issues
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Sri Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust general secretary Umanath Kotian said the organisation has been working in coordination with various government departments for the past 10 years to improve waste management and traffic regulation in the city. He said the trust’s interventions have focused on awareness-building, citizen engagement and practical solutions to everyday civic problems.
Kotian said the ‘Awake Kudla’ initiative was formally launched on April 4 by then Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan. The programme was envisioned as a platform to bring citizens, civic authorities and voluntary organisations together to address urban challenges in a coordinated manner.
Alongside the initiative, a mobile application named the Awake Kudla app was also launched to enable citizens to report issues related to waste management and traffic problems directly to the authorities. The app, he said, has helped improve communication between residents and departments concerned.
Cluster-2 awareness programme
As part of the expansion of the Awake Kudla concept, a cluster-2 awareness programme will be launched on Thursday. The event will be held in the presence of Swami Yugeshanandaji of Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru, whose participation is expected to lend moral and social encouragement to the campaign.
The cluster-2 programme will focus on selected wards, including Port, Cantonment and Attavar. Door-to-door awareness campaigns will be conducted in these areas in association with the Mangaluru City Corporation, Mangaluru City Traffic Police and various non-governmental organisations.
Kotian said the awareness drive will cover a wide range of civic issues such as traffic discipline, identification and repair of potholes, scientific waste management practices, black spot identification, greenery development and overall cleanliness. Volunteers will engage directly with residents and shopkeepers to educate them on their role in improving the city’s livability.
Details of the waste collection initiative
Providing details of the door-to-door waste collection programme planned in Mulihitlu, Kotian said the trust’s workers will collect both dry and wet waste on a daily basis from participating households. In addition, green waste, e-waste and medical waste will be collected once a week through a separate, organised process.
Wet waste collected from households will be transported to the MCC’s waste management unit at Pachanady for scientific processing. Dry waste will be segregated carefully and processed for reuse and recycling, thereby reducing the burden on landfills.
Kotian said the initiative is expected to begin before January 15, after completing necessary groundwork and coordination with civic authorities. He expressed confidence that the project would serve as a model for other residential areas within the city.
Identification of black spots and potholes
Trust member Manjula said that under the cluster-2 Awake Kudla awareness programme, volunteers will visit houses and commercial establishments to identify black spots and potholes in the selected wards. These issues will then be brought to the notice of the authorities concerned for timely action.
She added that the trust, with the support of the MCC, would also take initiatives to clear black spots and fill potholes wherever possible. The aim, she said, is not merely to identify problems but to actively participate in finding solutions in collaboration with the civic body.
Youth-focused initiatives
Apart from civic issues, the trust is also focusing on youth development. Trust member Nayana said a workshop on competitive examinations for government jobs will be organised for youths from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The workshop is scheduled to be held on February 8 at Ramakrishna Math.
She said the programme would guide aspirants on examination patterns, preparation strategies and career opportunities in government services. The initiative reflects the trust’s broader commitment to social development beyond infrastructure and cleanliness.
Collective effort for a cleaner city
Trust president Seetharam A was present during the announcement and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to working closely with citizens and authorities. He said sustainable change in urban governance can be achieved only through collective effort and a sense of shared responsibility.
In conclusion, the expansion of the Awake Kudla initiative through cluster-2 and the proposed door-to-door waste collection programme highlights the growing role of civil society organisations in addressing urban challenges. If implemented effectively, the initiative is expected to improve waste management practices, enhance civic awareness and contribute to a cleaner and more organised city.