Date:19/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121917050400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Popularising Nirmala toilets

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: To popularise the use of Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's (BMP) Nirmala Bangalore toilets and ensure that their area is free from stench, members of the Malleswaram Swabhimana Initiative (MSI) launched the second phase of "Stink-free Malleswaram" programme on Monday.

Under this programme, the members will distribute stickers for display on autorickshaws and taxis on a continuous basis. On Monday, more than 100 autorickshaw drivers assembled on the Sirur Playground near Bashyam Park in Malleswaram. Stickers with a cartoon by N.S. Ponnappa were distributed to these drivers for display on their vehicles.

"As autorickshaws ply all over the city, the message of ensuring a `stink-free' area can be spread to all Bangaloreans," MSI president Sumathi Rao said.

"As the habit of urinating on roadsides is die-hard, it is difficult to put an end to this menace. Initially, we have got 5,000 stickers printed and if required, more will be procured," she said.

In February, under the first phase of this programme, residents installed several boards (depicting the nuisance of urinating in open spaces and roadsides) at strategic points in Malleswaram.

BMP Joint Commissioner (West) M.A. Khalid released the stickers.

On the occasion, a street play by "Nemmadi" was staged to create awareness on the issue.