The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) in Karnataka recently launched a unique “psychological” initiative to combat the persistent issue of public urination. By spending approximately ₹9.5 lakh, officials installed 80 meters of stainless steel mirrors on a wall opposite the Mysuru Suburban Bus Stand. The logic was that the sight of one’s own reflection and the increased visibility to the public would create enough embarrassment to deter people from using the wall as a urinal.
To ensure the strategy worked around the clock, LED lights were installed around the mirrors, which automatically switch on with the streetlights at night. While the innovative idea initially received praise from urban planners and citizens for its creative approach to sanitation, its effectiveness was quickly called into question. Despite the high cost and modern design, the “mirror effect” failed to change the behavior of every passerby.
Just a week after the unveiling, a video went viral on social media showing a man urinating directly in front of the mirrors, seemingly unbothered by the bright lights or his own reflection. A local resident who spotted the act intervened and physically confronted the man, sparking a wider debate about civic responsibility. The incident suggests that while government innovation is valuable, long-standing public habits remain a significant challenge to urban cleanliness.
