Leo Rohan

Mangaluru, Apr 21: A major cleanliness drive was jointly organized by Lions Club Mangalore Lady Hill, Leo Club Lady Hill Genesis, and Lions Club Milagris at the State Bank bus stand, one of the busiest public transit points in the city.

The initiative was carried out under the leadership of Victor Moras and Lydia D'Costa, president and secretary of Lions Club Mangalore Lady Hill; Rohan Moras, president of Leo Club Lady Hill Genesis; and Philip J. Pereira, president of Lions Club Milagres.

Ground reality: A disturbing public health concern

Upon arrival, the team encountered a serious civic and public health issue. The premises were found in an extremely unsanitary and neglected condition, featuring scattered garbage, plastic waste, leftover food, and alcohol bottles.

Volunteers also noted the presence of hazardous metal waste, accumulated stagnant water emitting a foul smell, and instances of open urination and defecation despite warning signs on the walls. Shockingly, although a municipal worker was briefly seen at the site, they left without addressing the situation.

Systemic failures observed

The drive exposed critical gaps in civic management, including a total lack of dustbins and CCTV surveillance. Local feedback revealed that previously installed dustbins had been stolen, discouraging authorities from replacing them. Furthermore, municipal cleaning services appeared irregular, and the presence of only a paid toilet facility was cited as a factor encouraging open defecation.

Public response and volunteer action

During the activity, volunteers faced unexpected resistance and indifference from some bystanders. While some expressed negative attitudes, many admitted to improper waste disposal simply due to a lack of facilities.

Despite these challenges, the volunteers completely cleaned the premises, safely removed harmful materials, and restored basic hygiene to the area. The team also engaged with the public to spread awareness about individual responsibility toward cleanliness.

Demands and recommendations

The organizing clubs have urged concerned authorities to take immediate action to ensure the area remains clean. Their recommendations include:

• Installing secure dustbins with anti-theft measures.

• Implementing CCTV surveillance for better monitoring and accountability.

• Ensuring regular and strict municipal cleaning schedules.

• Improving access to affordable or free sanitation facilities.

• Conducting sustained public awareness campaigns on hygiene and civic duty.

"Today we cleaned. Tomorrow, it is the responsibility of every citizen and authority to maintain," the organizers stated, emphasizing that cleaning alone is not enough—maintaining the space is essential.