Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Mar 8: The footpath and wall at Mangaluru City bus stand, situated at State Bank, which had once been marred by instances of urination, have now undergone a remarkable transformation. The area has been completely revitalized with vibrant Warli paintings, turning what was once a neglected spot into an aesthetically pleasing space.
On January 11, Daijiworld highlighted the urination issue at the State Bank bus stand, where bus conductors, drivers, and the public were found urinating on the walls, consequently contaminating the newly constructed footpath. Two months later, with the initiation of the Ramakrishna Mission Swachh Bharat mission, the walls have been transformed with Warli paintings.
The walls after the Warli paintings
Before the transformation
The urination issue was causing significant nuisance, accompanied by a foul smell. Despite the presence of footpaths, they were rendered unsuitable for walking due to continuous urination on both the footpaths and the walls. Although a public toilet was available at the bus stand, drivers and bus conductors exhibited reluctance to utilize it, opting instead to urinate on the footpaths.
The drivers and bus conductors themselves devised a solution to end the nuisance of urination. They appointed two individuals to monitor the public who urinate on the footpath, ensuring that they are chased away and deterred from urinating in that area.
For the past few months, an elderly individual named Anthony, along with another person, has been diligently standing from 5 am to 9 pm, keeping a vigilant eye on those who urinate in the area. Positioned at the footpath where bus conductors and drivers routinely collect money, both individuals have been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the area. In acknowledgment of their dedication and efforts in maintaining cleanliness, the bus conductors and drivers contribute funds on a daily basis, which are then handed over to these two individuals for their diligent performance of duties.
Over the past couple of months, significant changes have occurred in the once-troubled footpath, with members of the public now freely walking along it. Anthony, while being homeless himself, has found a means of sustenance by actively participating in the duty of monitoring the area for public urination. Additionally, he earns his daily living through this responsibility, while also seeking shelter by sleeping in the buses.
Anthony remarks, "Since I have been stationed at the footpath, there's been a significant reduction in public urination. However, there are still a few individuals who remain determined to urinate in this area and express their dissatisfaction. Some even resort to physical aggression, attempting to beat me up. Nevertheless, with the assistance of bus drivers and conductors, I have managed to successfully deter them and ensure the cleanliness of the footpath."