Unsung Heroes of Dasara: How Pourakarmikas Keep Mysuru Sparkling Clean

As the vibrant hues of Dasara paint Mysuru, transforming it into a kaleidoscope of cultural grandeur, millions flock to witness its majestic spectacle. While eyes are fixated on the illuminated palace, the grand procession, and the festive cheer, an army of dedicated individuals works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the city's famed cleanliness remains unblemished.

These are Mysuru’s pourakarmikas – the unsung heroes who embody the true spirit of civic pride.

The influx of tourists during Dasara is staggering, leading to an inevitable surge in waste generation. From food wrappers and plastic bottles to floral discards and general refuse, the city's waste output skyrockets.

Managing this colossal challenge requires monumental effort, precision, and unwavering commitment. This is where the approximately 2,500 pourakarmikas, including both permanent and contract workers under the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), step in.

Their day begins long before the first rays of dawn touch the golden spire of Mysore Palace.

Working in staggered shifts, these sanitation warriors meticulously sweep and clear every street, public square, and tourist hotspot. Areas around the iconic Mysore Palace, the bustling Torchlight Parade Ground, and major thoroughfares become their primary battlegrounds against accumulating waste. Their brooms and collection vehicles are instruments of transformation, restoring order and pristine beauty to areas that hours earlier buzzed with festive crowds.

The MCC has deployed a robust and efficient waste management strategy to support these diligent workers.

This includes providing necessary equipment, ensuring timely waste collection, and implementing segregation at source wherever possible. Their coordinated efforts are vital in ensuring that Mysuru's reputation as one of India's cleanest cities is not just maintained but consistently upheld, especially during its most celebratory period.

Beyond the logistical challenge, their work carries immense significance for Mysuru's tourism sector.

A clean city is a welcoming city, and the spotless streets and public spaces significantly enhance the visitor experience, encouraging repeat visits and bolstering the city's appeal as a premier cultural destination. The dedication of these pourakarmikas directly contributes to the economic vibrancy and cultural prestige that Dasara brings.

Often overlooked, their contributions are the bedrock of Mysuru’s charm during Dasara.

They are the silent guardians of hygiene, the steadfast custodians of public health, and the living embodiment of community service. As the festivities conclude and the crowds disperse, it is their persistent hard work that leaves behind a clean slate, ready for another day, another year. Mysuru's spark during Dasara is not just from its lights and traditions, but also from the unwavering spirit of its pourakarmikas, who truly make the city shine.