Sir,

Mysuru, once proudly known for its royal heritage and cleanliness, is now fast turning into a city of garbage. The image published in the article titled ‘Garbage Dump!’ (SOM dated May 15) exposes the grim reality of the Hebbal Industrial Area, which spans over 2,000 acres in the city.

This is the unfortunate legacy of broken promises by the Government, which once lured industries with tall claims of infrastructure and support. Today, this Industrial Area — home to numerous key units, including micro-industries — is facing neglect on multiple fronts.

The article highlights the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste along roadsides. This includes not only domestic garbage, but also construction and demolition debris, all emanating a foul smell and posing a serious health hazard.

To make matters worse, the roads are filled with potholes due to the constant movement of heavy vehicles, making travel extremely hazardous. The situation is compounded by the lack of a proper stormwater drainage system.

During rains, these roads are flooded, further damaging the surface and creating dangerous craters that increase the risk of accidents.

Suresh Kumar Jain, Secretary of Mysore Industries Association, has pointed out that the Hootagalli CMC has collected Rs. 60 crore in the last three years, yet no visible development has taken place. This neglect has persisted for decades.

I had personally toured these industrial areas with Suresh Kumar Jain years ago and submitted reports — yet, the state of affairs remains unchanged. The authorities are quick to offer excuses, but the real issue lies in the absence of accountability.

Sadly, this is not just the story of the industrial area. The menace of garbage mismanagement is widespread across Mysuru. And in the absence of elected representatives, due to the delay in civic elections, there is no Corporator to raise these concerns. As a result, the citizens continue to suffer in silence.

— H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 17.5.2025

NOTE: The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has since cleared the garbage dumps and building debris along the roads in Hebbal Industrial Area. Hope, the potholed roads too will be repaired soon. —Ed