MCC, MDA join hands to clear Lalithadripura dump

Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) have cleared 180 metric tonnes of garbage dumped along Lalithadripura Road (Lalithadrinagar), at the foot of Chamundi Hill, tackling a long-standing problem that had inconvenienced residents and damaged the environment.

The clearance drive in the eco-sensitive zone follows several reports published in Star of Mysore and its sister concern Mysuru Mithra. The operation was carried out jointly by the MCC, MDA, Alanahalli Gram Panchayat and Rammanahalli Town Panchayat.

The layout, developed by the MDA, has hundreds of sites allotted to beneficiaries and buyers.

Mysuru District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah inspecting Lalithadripura Road this morning accompanied by MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha, MDA In-charge Commissioner B.R. Mahesh, Tahsildar Mahesh, Ahinda Javarappa and other officials.

However, with most sites still vacant and few houses or regular human activity in the area, the stretch had turned into an open dumping ground.

MDA paid the MCC Rs. 1,080 per tonne for removing and disposing of the waste as per civic norms. The total cost of clearing the 180 tonnes of garbage is Rs. 1,94,400. Repeated fires set to the dumped waste had left behind a melted, foul-smelling mass.

Preventive measures

Warning boards prohibiting garbage dumping and cautioning violators of fines and legal action have been installed. CCTV cameras are also planned to keep watch on the area.

The road median has been painted black and yellow and trees along the stretch have been maintained. Proposals are being considered to develop a walking path with seating arrangements to encourage people to use the stretch and discourage illegal dumping.

Authorities have warned that those caught dumping waste will face fines and legal action. Local bodies have also been directed to keep the area clean and work together instead of shifting responsibility based on administrative boundaries.

Mysuru District In-charge Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah visited the spot this morning and appreciated the efforts of the MDA and MCC. He asked officials to remain vigilant to prevent fresh dumping and take up beautification works, including a walking path and the installation  of CCTV cameras.

MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha, MDA In-charge Commissioner B.R. Mahesh, Tahsildar Mahesh, Ahinda Javarappa and others were present.