Improper Waste Disposal: Man fined and made to clean up in Shirva

Team Udayavani, Jan 14, 2025, 11:30 AM IST

In a notable incident of civic accountability, a man who dumped garbage on the roadside near the Shirva-Kodu Panjimaru road was made to clean up the mess by a Shirva Gram Panchayat member on Monday.

Rasheed from Katapadi reportedly disposed of garbage near Gram Panchayat member Jacintha’s residence on Sunday and Monday morning. The trash contained a bill from a clothing store in Udupi, which Jacintha handed over to the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO). Investigations at the store revealed Rasheed’s contact details, leading to him being summoned by Jacintha.

Upon confrontation, Rasheed admitted to the act and was instructed to clean up the waste he had dumped. As a consequence, the Gram Panchayat imposed a fine of ₹2,000 on him for the violation.

The Shirva Gram Panchayat has been actively identifying those who illegally dump waste on roadsides, imposing fines of ₹5,000, and ensuring they personally handle the cleanup. Despite continuous awareness campaigns under the Swachh Bharat Mission and the availability of waste collection vehicles, irresponsible dumping persists.

Shirva PDO Anantapadmanabha Nayak expressed disappointment, stating, “Despite daily messages urging people not to litter roadsides and prioritizing cleanliness, educated citizens continue to flout norms, undermining the Panchayat’s efforts to maintain a clean environment.”