Actors, sportstars to be roped in as ambassadors

The Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) is leaving no stone unturned in scaling to top spot in the forthcoming Swachh Survekshan survey scheduled for January-February 2017.

To give a fillip to its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, it has decided to rope in Swachh Bharat ambassadors.

The city corporation authorities are mulling over engaging Tulu film actors and sportspersons from the region, mainly from Mangaluru as ambassadors to drive home the message of waste segregation, that forms the crux of the survey.

An official involved in the work told Deccan Herald that the names of two Tulu actors Devdas Kapikad, Bhojraj and also another actor is on the list of probables. While among sportspersons, international athlete Ashwini Akkunji (who is from Udupi – a part of undivided Dakshina Kannada district earlier) may find a place. The names, which may see a few more additions, would be finalised by the task force that would be set up to monitor Swachh Bharat-related works, he added.

Source said more than the star attraction, the city corporation wants to explore the social commitment of the ambassadors, whoever is selected. It could be either an actor or a sportsperson or both, as the officials are waiting for the opinion of the task force, before communicating it to them to know their availability, the sources added.

Green look
As part of IEC activities, the bus stops in the city will be getting a ‘green look’. It has began with the Bondel Church bus stop getting a make over with the slogan of ‘Swachha Mangaluru’ on the top. 

To connect with locals, a slogan ‘Mix Malpodchi Akka, Mix Madbedi Anna’ (Don’t mix waste, brother and sister) in Tulu adorns the facade. On either sides, slogans like ‘Kasa Vingadisi’ (Segregate waste) and Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (in Kannada font), ‘Hasi Kasa’ (Wet waste) and ‘Ona Kasa’ (Dry waste) along with pictures, sums it all.

As the bus stops cater to floating population, also being landmarks at some places, it was zeroed in to spread the message. Gradually, the bus stops and other transit points — where the period of advertisements have ended — will be used for similar purpose, an official said.

In the previous survey, Mangaluru was ranked three, missing the top slot to Mysuru by a whisker.

Following this, the coastal city has planned a slew of activities to add yet another feather to its cap.
DH News Service