Mysuru installs mirror-like steel sheets to curb public urination

In a unique civic initiative aimed at improving public hygiene, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has installed mirror-like stainless steel sheets along a roadside wall near the suburban bus stand to discourage public urination.

According to civic officials, the experiment has already shown promising results, with authorities claiming nearly a 90 per cent reduction in incidents within 24 hours of installation.

The reflective steel panels were installed along a stretch on Mother Teresa Road near the KSRTC suburban bus stand, an area that had reportedly been a hotspot for open urination for years despite warning boards and repeated civic campaigns.

Officials said the mirrors were designed as a psychological deterrent, making individuals conscious of their actions by forcing them to see their own reflection in public. LED lighting has also been added to improve visibility during nighttime hours.

The initiative quickly went viral on social media, with many users praising the idea as an innovative and low-cost solution to a long-standing civic problem. However, others argued that authorities should focus more on improving access to clean and functional public toilets instead of relying solely on behavioural deterrents.

MCC officials said the project is currently being implemented on a trial basis and could be expanded to other areas of the city if it continues to deliver positive results.