Smart city dream hits apathy hurdle in Mangaluru

Mangaluru

On a quiet stretch of a tree-lined road along the NH towards Kulshekar, a stark contradiction unfolds. A banner urging citizens to 'Keep this city clean for a better tomorrow' and warning of penalties for violators hangs prominently between two trees. Just a few metres away, a heap of garbage, food waste, plastic bags, paper waste and household refuse lies dumped in the open, defeating the very message displayed. This visual irony captures a growing concern across parts of Mangaluru: while awareness campaigns and civic messaging are visible, public participation in maintaining cleanliness remains inconsistent.

At two nearby locations, signboards caution residents against dumping waste in public spaces, using striking visuals and strong messaging-yet the continued dumping highlights the apathy of locals in addressing the issue. A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said, “Boards are everywhere, but who is actually following them? People dump garbage at night or early morning. By the time authorities act, it’s already a mess.” What stood out during the visit was an unsettling reality. Even as conversations were underway with locals about the issue, a few women were seen quietly approaching the spot, placing their garbage and leaving without hesitation.

It was a telling moment-one that reflected not a lack of awareness, but a lack of concern. “The system is there. Door to door collection happens regularly,” said another resident. “Still, some people find it easier to dump waste in open spaces. It’s more about attitude than infrastructure.” The problem, therefore, goes beyond littering. It points to a deeper civic disconnect. Despite being part of the Smart City initiative, such scenes raise questions about collective responsibility.

Cleanliness cannot be achieved through infrastructure and announcements alone-it requires behavioural change at the grassroots. The presence of residential buildings close to these dumping spots adds to the concern. Apart from being an eyesore, unmanaged waste attracts stray animals, creates foul odour and poses health risks, particularly in the heat. Urban observers note that this is not an isolated issue. Similar patterns can be seen across several parts of the city, where public messaging coexists with poor compliance.

Civic activists stress the need for stricter enforcement and community ownership. “Fines must be imposed consistently, but more importantly, people must feel responsible for their surroundings,” said a volunteer from the local youth association. “A smart city is not just about infrastructure-it’s about mindset.” As Mangaluru aspires to grow as a model urban centre, these everyday contradictions serve as reminders that progress depends as much on people as on policies. Cleanliness begins with individual accountability, because in the end, a smart city is only as smart as its people.