Mangaluru: Volunteers cleaned the Service Bus Stand area in the city as part of the monthly cleanliness drive organised by Ramakrishna Mission under its Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan on Sunday. The initiative focused on improving hygiene in one of the city’s busiest public spaces ahead of the peak monsoon season.
The drive covered footpaths, passenger waiting areas and drainage channels around the bus stand. Volunteers also interacted with the public and stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in shared public spaces.
Footpaths and public areas cleaned
As part of the campaign, volunteers undertook extensive cleaning of footpaths and passenger waiting zones within the Service Bus Stand premises. The effort aimed to create a cleaner and more pleasant environment for daily commuters and visitors.
During the exercise, volunteers observed that several compound walls and retaining walls in the area had become unhygienic due to public urination. Using water and cleaning equipment, the team thoroughly washed and sanitised the affected walls.
The cleaning activity significantly improved the appearance of the surroundings and helped eliminate unpleasant odours from the area.
Volunteers also appealed to the public to avoid littering and maintain cleanliness in public places to support the city’s ongoing sanitation efforts.
Students join waste collection effort
Faculty members and students of Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy actively participated in the cleanliness campaign by collecting waste from various parts of the bus stand area.
The team gathered discarded plastic materials, food packaging waste, paper litter and other non-biodegradable waste that had accumulated around the premises.
Organisers noted that improper disposal of waste remains one of the major challenges in maintaining urban cleanliness. They urged citizens to use designated waste bins and adopt responsible waste disposal practices.
The participation of students added momentum to the campaign and highlighted the role educational institutions can play in promoting civic responsibility and environmental awareness.
Drainage channels cleared before monsoon
A separate team comprising senior volunteers focused on cleaning drainage channels in and around the bus stand area.
The volunteers removed accumulated debris, plastic waste, silt and other obstructions that had blocked the free flow of rainwater. The work was carried out as a preventive measure ahead of the monsoon season when heavy rainfall often leads to waterlogging in urban areas.
Organisers said the timely clearance of drains would help reduce the risk of flooding, ensure smooth stormwater flow and minimise health hazards associated with stagnant water.
The volunteers emphasised that regular maintenance of drainage systems is an essential component of urban sanitation and public health management.
Public awareness on cleanliness
Apart from cleaning activities, volunteers engaged with commuters, shopkeepers and local residents to create awareness about the importance of cleanliness.
They highlighted the need for collective responsibility in keeping public spaces clean and encouraged people to actively participate in cleanliness initiatives. Organisers said behavioural change and public cooperation are crucial for sustaining long-term improvements in urban sanitation.
The interaction also focused on discouraging practices such as littering and public urination, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation and hygiene concerns.
Drive inaugurated by church pastor
The cleanliness drive was inaugurated by Abraham Vinayalal Bangera, Pastorate, CSI St. Paul’s English Church, State Bank of India area, Mangaluru.
Addressing the volunteers, he praised Ramakrishna Mission and the participants for their continued efforts in inspiring citizens through dedicated service.
“We must give equal importance to both internal and external cleanliness. While external cleanliness helps create a healthy environment, internal cleanliness builds character and values,” he said.
He also commended the volunteers for contributing towards making Mangaluru a cleaner and healthier city through regular community-driven initiatives.
Continuing mission for a cleaner city
The cleanliness drive was organised by Ramakrishna Mission in association with Swachh Mangaluru Prathishtana and supported by MRPL ONGC.
Over the years, the Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan has conducted numerous cleanliness and awareness programmes across the city, encouraging public participation in maintaining civic hygiene and environmental sustainability.
Organisers said such initiatives would continue in different parts of the city to strengthen community involvement and promote cleaner public spaces.
Conclusion
The latest Swachh Mangaluru cleanliness drive at the Service Bus Stand not only improved the area’s hygiene and appearance but also reinforced the importance of community participation in maintaining public spaces. With the monsoon season approaching, the cleaning of drainage systems and public areas is expected to contribute to better sanitation and flood prevention in the city.