The Madikeri City Municipal Council (CMC) has banned open defecation and urination in all public places. The announcement covers all 23 wards under Madikeri CMC, which have followed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) protocol and ODF plus standards. The council stated, “The area has been declared compliant with ODF protocol and ODF plus standards.” To enforce this, fines have been set at ₹500 for open urination, ₹1,000 for open defecation, and ₹2,000 for discharging human waste from premises into public drains. Legal action will also follow any violations. The City Municipal Commissioner of Madikeri advised property owners to use the municipal suction machine service to clean septic tanks regularly. This move aims to keep the city clean and hygienic for all residents.