MCC replicates Sub-Urban Bus Stand experiment on Sayyaji Rao Road

Mysuru: Following the results of an experiment using stainless steel reflective panels near the Sub-Urban Bus Stand, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has adopted the same method along the compound wall of Mysore Medical College on Sayyaji Rao Road to discourage public urination.

A row of mirrors has been installed along the wall, allowing anyone standing there to see their reflection and making their actions visible to passersby. The Civic Body hopes the embarrassment of being seen will deter people from using the spot to relieve themselves in the open.

The problem had persisted despite repeated awareness campaigns and the availability of a nearby pay-and-use public toilet. People continued to urinate along the wall, leaving the stretch unhygienic and filling the area with a foul smell.

The situation had caused considerable inconvenience to nearby shopkeepers, their customers and pedestrians. Many people would hurry past the spot to avoid the stench, while the unhygienic conditions remained a concern for those working and doing business in the vicinity.

The MCC had earlier tried several measures to prevent the nuisance. These included putting up ropes to restrict access to the area, painting environmental awareness messages on the compound wall and installing warning boards cautioning people that fines would be imposed for public urination.

However, these measures failed to produce the desired results, as people continued to ignore the warnings.

MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha had also personally joined the cleaning drive at the spot. Officials cleaned the stretch with water cannons, then applied disinfectants and perfumes to remove the foul smell and restore cleanliness.

However, the place was repeatedly dirtied, prompting the Civic Body to look for a different approach. The mirror strategy, previously tried near the Sub-Urban Bus Stand, has now been extended to the stretch near Mysore Medical College.

The mirrors are positioned so that anyone attempting to urinate against the wall would see their own reflection, while people passing by could also see them. The idea is to make offenders conscious of their actions and discourage them from using the public space in this manner.

According to officials, the experiment appears to be yielding results, with people reportedly stopping the practice at the location. The MCC hopes the measure will help keep the stretch clean and spare pedestrians and nearby businesses the inconvenience caused by the persistent foul smell.