Littering: Are we citizens literally responsible?

Sir,

I have a fondness for Mysuru that a child has for its mother’s home. It brings me joy each time I visit the city. I grew up as a child here in my grandfather’s house in Saraswathipuram in the 70s – 80s and did my medical education in Mysore Medical College from 1990 -1996.

I subsequently lived in other cities in India where I was training before I moved overseas in 2003.

When my father retired and relocated to Mysuru in 2009, coming to Mysuru was an annual pilgrimage which I thoroughly enjoyed (and still do) — the hills, the slow pace and warm people always enamoured me.

Every city changes with time and I was not surprised by the urbanisation. I felt it was slow and measured compared to other metros.

I visited Mysuru in March after a gap of 2-and-a-half years (thanks to COVID). Again, more urbanisation did not surprise but what did was the amount of litter on the streets. This was irrespective of which locality I visited and was widespread across the heritage city.

It was always ingrained in me that Mysureans had exemplary civic sense and sense of cleanliness. Somehow, that impression was shattered.

Was it the sudden growth in population and lack of civic resources to tackle the issue? Was it lack of education or was it just nonchalance?

I am not sure what the answer is and what the solutions to tackle it may be but it is certainly time for Mysureans (and I include myself in the head count) to take charge to educate, inform and motivate change amongst ourselves and our neighbours to prevent Mysuru from becoming a ‘dump yard’ and return it to its former state of cleanliness (and glory).