The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has initiated a night drive to apprehend individuals and fast food joint operators involved in dumping garbage and other solid waste in public places. The city generates 550 tonnes of solid waste from its 65 wards, of which 30 tonnes are plastic waste. This operation, which began on June 29, was prompted by complaints about commercial establishments like hotels, fast food joints, and street food vendors leaving large amounts of garbage in plastic covers during night hours. The lack of surveillance cameras and proper law enforcement has facilitated violators in using corners of commercial streets and drains for dumping waste.
Garbage heaps with domestic waste from nearby households, food waste dumped by street vendors, banana leaves used to serve food at these stalls, and plastic bottles are visible at various spots along commercial stretches, street food vendor areas, vacant sites, and roadsides. This has posed a significant challenge, leading the MCC to launch the operation to crack down on individuals and street vendors involved in dumping waste illegally at night.
The MCC has deployed 130 civic workers, along with health and environment department staff, for night raids. The staff will not only collect penalties after identifying the offenders but also raise awareness about cleanliness among both vendors and the public. Despite the MCC’s efforts to collect household waste door-to-door and in commercial areas using 330 auto tippers fitted with GPS, night-time littering has increased.
To address this, the MCC has assigned one team headed by a supervisor, including a pourakarmika, to each ward. The teams conduct the drive in dedicated vehicles during nighttime. If individuals are caught dumping waste illegally, the team alerts the health inspector to impose a fine on the offenders. Penalties range from Rs 200 to several thousand rupees, with fines of up to Rs 5,000 for violators found dumping large quantities of waste transported by autos and other vehicles. The civic workers are also clearing waste during night hours.
According to guidelines, bulk waste generators such as fast food joints, roadside vendors, and hoteliers are required to hand over their waste to MCC’s garbage collection vehicles every morning. However, many have adopted unhealthy practices of disposing of waste wherever and whenever convenient. MCC health officer Dr. Venkatesh stated that the crackdown aims to deter such practices as they not only affect the city’s beauty but also pose health risks. MCC commissioner Ashad Ur Rehaman Sharif participated in the raids to deter such practices and to sensitize the public to maintain cleanliness. The collected waste is currently diverted to zero waste units in Kesare and Rayanakere on the outskirts, as dumping at the Sewage Farm in Vidyaranyapuram has been temporarily halted.