Mangaluru: In a bid to enforce the ban on single-use plastic, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) will increase surveillance on plastic production units within the city. Additionally, efforts will be made to raise awareness among shopkeepers, hotels, caterers, and the general public about the harmful effects of single-use plastics, said Mayor Manoj Kumar.

During a phone-in program held on Tuesday, Jayaprakash from Yekkur questioned why the single-use plastic ban was not being effectively implemented in the city. He urged the MCC to focus on curbing production at the source and appreciated the awareness efforts by Udayavani newspaper, which highlighted the issue in its reports.

Another caller, Sarita Lobo, suggested targeting manufacturers instead of small shops for stricter enforcement.

Responding to the concerns, the Mayor assured that plastic production units within the MCC limits would be monitored and actions taken. He also mentioned that much of the plastic enters the city from external sources, and steps will be taken to address this. An awareness drive will be conducted on November 21 to prioritize the issue, he added.

Water Issues in Katipalla

Rita from Katipalla complained about irregular water supply in Katipalla’s 3rd Block, where residents receive water only once every four days. The Mayor directed officials to arrange temporary water tanker services and promised to look into the matter.

Ward Committee Meetings to Resume

Sarita Lobo from Ashoknagar raised concerns about the lack of ward committee meetings. The Mayor explained that the meetings had been on hold due to the election code of conduct but assured that they would resume this month after discussions with officials.

Deputy Mayor Bhanumathi P.S., standing committee chairpersons Manohar Shetty Kadri, Veena Mangal, Sumithra Kariya, Saritha Shashidhar, and MCC officials including administrative deputy commissioner Ravi Kumar, revenue deputy commissioner Girish Nandan, and development commissioner K.T. Chandrashekhar were present at the program.