Beyond Hebbal Lake: Civic responsibility holds key

Sir,

The article, ‘Troubled Waters – Hebbal Lake’s restoration success story loses its way,’ is an eye-opener and rightly draws attention to the deteriorating condition of Hebbal Lake.

While the authorities must take timely corrective measures, we as citizens must also introspect. After all, it is not the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) that throws plastic and garbage into our lakes and along our roads. It is we, the people.

Every year, volunteers, NGOs, educational institutions and industries spend countless hours cleaning lakes and public spaces, only to see their efforts undone within days by irresponsible dumping.

The MCC repeatedly appeals through its garbage collection vehicles for households to segregate waste, yet many people conveniently throw garbage on roadsides while commuting to work, markets or schools.

Instead of organising clean-up drives only on occasions like World Environment Day, our focus should shift towards creating lasting behavioural change.

Environmental awareness must begin in schools so that children, in turn, educate their families. Social media, newspapers, television and even cinema theatres should actively promote civic responsibility.

Whether it is our lakes, Chamundi Hill, public places, tourist destinations or even the Ring Road, cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility.

Let us first practise good civic habits ourselves and inspire others to do the same. Lasting environmental change will not come merely through the efforts of volunteers, NGOs or government agencies — it begins with each one of us taking responsibility for our actions.

—M.R. Pradeep

Mysuru

26.6.2026