Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Rahul Rathnam Pandey on Friday inspected several parts of the city to review cleanliness, waste management and arrangements for the disposal of construction debris.
The inspection was carried out as part of efforts to identify and address locations where waste is frequently dumped, commonly referred to as black spots. The commissioner visited several prominent areas, including Shivaram Karanth Road, K.S. Rao Road, Lady Goschen, Central Market and other major parts of the city.
During the inspection, Pandey assessed the existing waste management arrangements and reviewed the measures being taken by civic officials and sanitation workers to maintain cleanliness in public spaces.
Commissioner reviews waste management system
Health department officials accompanied the commissioner during the inspection and briefed him about the city’s waste management system.
The officials explained the arrangements in place for collection, transportation and disposal of waste generated across different parts of Mangaluru. The commissioner also reviewed the challenges faced by civic workers while maintaining cleanliness in busy commercial and residential areas.
Pandey interacted with sanitation workers to understand the practical difficulties involved in street cleaning. He gathered information about the methods being followed to clean roads and public spaces and sought details about other cleanliness-related issues encountered by workers during their daily duties.
The interaction was aimed at understanding ground-level challenges and improving the effectiveness of the city’s sanitation system.
Focus on black spots and illegal dumping
The commissioner directed officials to take measures to eliminate black spots where waste is repeatedly dumped.
Such locations can become persistent sources of garbage accumulation if waste is not cleared regularly and preventive measures are not introduced. Pandey instructed officials to explore the installation of CCTV cameras at identified black spots to monitor dumping activities and help prevent people from disposing of waste illegally.
The use of surveillance cameras is expected to help civic authorities identify those responsible for repeated dumping and strengthen enforcement measures.
The commissioner also emphasised the need for regular monitoring so that cleaned locations do not once again become dumping points.
Dustbins ordered for commercial establishments
Pandey directed officials to ensure the installation of dustbins in commercial areas, particularly at hotels, shops and other business establishments.
Commercial establishments generate significant quantities of waste, especially in busy parts of the city. Ensuring that such establishments have appropriate waste bins can help prevent garbage from being left on roads and footpaths.
The commissioner instructed officials to monitor compliance and ensure that commercial establishments take responsibility for managing the waste generated from their premises.
The direction is also intended to encourage better waste segregation and disposal practices among businesses and reduce the amount of waste entering public spaces.
Action against construction waste
The commissioner also instructed officials to ensure that construction waste is cleared and disposed of properly.
Construction and demolition debris can occupy roadsides, vacant spaces and footpaths if it is not removed through designated disposal arrangements. Apart from affecting the appearance of the city, such debris can obstruct pedestrians and create difficulties for motorists.
Officials were directed to take necessary steps to ensure that construction waste is removed and handled through appropriate disposal mechanisms.
Pandey’s instructions also included measures to prevent the unauthorised accumulation of construction debris in public places.
Footpath encroachments to be removed
Temporary structures occupying footpaths were another issue highlighted during the inspection.
The commissioner directed officials to remove temporary structures that obstruct pedestrian movement. Footpaths are intended to provide safe passage for pedestrians, and unauthorised structures can force people to walk on roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
The direction forms part of the broader effort to improve the cleanliness and accessibility of public spaces in the city.
Officials were asked to identify such temporary structures and take appropriate action to restore pedestrian space.
Notices for street food vendors
Pandey also directed officials to issue notices to street food vendors found dumping waste on roads.
Street food businesses can generate considerable quantities of food waste, disposable containers and other refuse. Improper disposal of such waste can contribute to the formation of garbage spots and affect the cleanliness of surrounding areas.
The commissioner stressed the need for vendors to follow proper waste disposal practices and directed officials to initiate action against those who violate cleanliness requirements.
The move is intended to make vendors more accountable for the waste generated through their businesses.
Strengthening civic cleanliness measures
The inspection comes amid continued efforts by the civic administration to improve waste management and cleanliness across Mangaluru.
The commissioner’s directions cover several aspects of urban sanitation, including garbage dumping, commercial waste, construction debris, footpath obstructions and waste generated by street food vendors.
The emphasis on CCTV surveillance at black spots could also strengthen monitoring and enforcement, while the installation of dustbins at commercial establishments could help reduce roadside dumping.
At the same time, interaction with sanitation workers provides civic authorities with an opportunity to identify practical problems faced during daily street-cleaning operations and consider measures to improve working methods.
Maintaining a clean city requires cooperation between civic authorities, businesses, street vendors, residents and sanitation workers. While the corporation has the responsibility to provide waste collection and disposal services, public participation is equally important in preventing littering and illegal dumping.
The commissioner’s inspection and directions signal a renewed focus on addressing recurring sanitation problems and improving the overall cleanliness of Mangaluru. Regular monitoring, enforcement and cooperation from citizens and commercial establishments will be crucial to ensuring that identified black spots do not re-emerge.