Mysuru: Addressing concerns over the poor condition of several public restrooms and non-functional e-toilets in Mysuru, Shaikh Tanveer Asif, commissioner, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), said on Monday that the civic body has initiated measures to restore and restart these facilities to improve public sanitation services across the city.The commissioner said that several public toilets that remained closed for a long period have already been reopened and made operational. However, he acknowledged that difficulties persist in certain areas due to maintenance and operational challenges. In some locations, the corporation invited tenders for upkeep and maintenance at minimal rates, but no contractors or agencies came forward to undertake the responsibility.Asif explained that e-toilets have encountered recurring technical and logistical issues. While some units remain unused in locations where public demand is low, others have been forced to shut down because of ongoing water supply disruptions and electrical problems. The lack of interested agencies to manage and maintain these facilities has further delayed their revival.Despite these setbacks, the commissioner assured that the corporation is actively working on solutions and will take appropriate steps in the coming days to ensure that public restrooms and e-toilets are properly maintained and brought back into regular use. He emphasised that improving sanitation infrastructure remains an important priority for the civic body.With the monsoon rainfall expected to begin within the next few days, the MCC has intensified its preparedness measures to effectively manage rain-related challenges and prevent urban flooding across the city. Asif said that the tender process for desilting major stormwater drains and underground drainage systems across Mysuru has already been completed as a precautionary step. The large-scale cleaning operations are expected to commence shortly to ensure uninterrupted water flow during heavy rainfall.Highlighting the corporation’s enhanced infrastructure and response capacity, the commissioner noted that the civic body earlier operated with only a single heavy earth machine for drain-cleaning works. Recognising the growing need for more efficient maintenance, the corporation has now procured three additional machines. In addition, rented machinery has been allocated to each administrative zone to ensure comprehensive and timely cleaning operations throughout the city.He emphasized that all major drains and water channels across Mysuru will be cleaned in the coming days to minimise the risk of waterlogging, overflowing drains, and flood-related disruptions during the monsoon. The corporation is also coordinating closely with zonal officials and field staff to monitor vulnerable areas and respond swiftly to any emergencies. The civic body has assured residents that proactive measures are being taken well in advance to safeguard public infrastructure and maintain smooth drainage during the rainy season.
