The Mysore City Corporation installed mirrors on a wall near a suburban bus stand in Mysuru to discourage public urination [1, 2].

This initiative represents a shift toward behavioral psychology in urban management. By forcing individuals to see their own reflections while engaging in the act, the city aims to use social shame and self-awareness to change public habits in high-traffic transit areas.

The installation is located in Mysuru, Karnataka, specifically targeting a wall near the city's suburban bus stand [1, 2]. Local authorities said they implemented the "mirror hack" to create awareness about the impact of open urination on the city's cleanliness and public health [1, 2].

Rather than relying solely on fines or traditional signage, the city is employing a behavioral nudge [1, 2]. This method relies on the psychological premise that people are less likely to engage in antisocial behavior when they are confronted with their own image, essentially acting as a silent observer.

A video showing the mirrors in place has since gone viral online [1, 2]. The digital response highlights a growing interest in unconventional urban solutions to long-standing sanitation challenges in Indian cities.

While the Mysore City Corporation has not released specific data on the frequency of the behavior before the installation, the mirrors serve as a visible deterrent. The project is part of a broader effort to maintain the aesthetic and sanitary standards of the suburban transit hub [1, 2].

“The city aims to use social shame and self-awareness to change public habits.”

The use of 'behavioral nudges' in Mysuru reflects a global trend in urban planning where psychology is used to supplement infrastructure. By focusing on the psychological discomfort of being seen—even by oneself—the city is testing whether low-cost psychological interventions can be more effective than punitive measures in managing public spaces.