Mysuru Installs Mirrors To Stop Pubic Urination: Is It Scaring Men Who Pee In Public?

In Mysuru, authorities have come up with an unusual way to deal with a very common problem. Mirrors have been installed along a roadside wall near the Suburban Bus Stand to stop public urination. The idea is largely aimed at men, who are more often seen using such spots. By placing reflective steel sheets on the wall, officials are hoping that seeing their own reflection will make people step back. But the question now is simple. Is it actually stopping men from urinating in public?

The stretch where the mirrors have been fixed had become a regular trouble spot despite repeated warnings. Instead of putting up more signboards, officials have tried a different approach. The mirrors act as a direct visual check. The moment someone walks up to the wall, they are forced to look at themselves.

Videos and photos of the installation have quickly spread online. Many people have called the idea practical and creative. Some believe this kind of self-awareness can make a difference, at least in the short term. The fact that it directly targets behaviour rather than just issuing warnings has drawn attention.

At the same time, the move has also opened up a larger conversation. Several users have pointed out that the issue is not just about behaviour. It is also about the lack of clean and accessible public toilets. Without proper facilities, they argue, such solutions can only go so far.

There are also concerns about how effective the mirrors will be over time. People can easily move a few steps away and continue the same act. Others have pointed out that the mirrors could get dirty, damaged or vandalised, reducing their impact.

This is not the first time such an idea has been tried. Similar mirrors were installed earlier in parts of Bengaluru in areas like Church Street, Koramangala and KR Market. The intention was the same, to create a mirror effect and discourage public urination. However, the results have been mixed, with limited long term impact.

For now, Mysuru's experiment has done one thing clearly. It has brought the issue back into focus. Whether mirrors can change behaviour or whether better infrastructure and stricter enforcement are needed remains the bigger question.