In a bid to keep Mumbai's streets and public spaces clean, the Maharashtra government, has come up with a law where offenders who spit in such spaces will be charged a hefty amount of money and will also be required to do social work. This is a first by any state and the decision itself explains the extent of the menace it has assumed.  

It is hugely shocking that a country which prides itself in following social etiquettes is completely damn care when it comes to urinating and spitting in public places. Of the two, I would hands down say that most nauseating habit is spitting on the walls and in the corners of public buildings. The red coloured marks left on walls due to chewing of paan is a loathsome sight. Eastern Sentinel’s story on the newly inaugurated Tomo Riba Institute of Research and Medical Sciences, Naharlagun which is facing the menace of ‘spitting’ speaks a sad tale of apathy towards public assets. Signage and posters against littering and spitting stands no chance in the face of public unbecoming behaviour.

Apart from the unpleasant sight, spitting on the road or in public places can be dangerous as others who come in contact with it can derive bacterial infections.

A few years back, the then Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar Capital Complex, penalized an individual for spitting in his office premises. It is never too late to bring in new rules to alter un-desirable behaviour which has somehow crept up and helpless people have been forced to grow accustomed to.  However, one does sympathise with this unfortunate person who had to shell out a significant sum for an act which majority of people are indulging in but fortunate enough not to be caught.

 

 

The public attitude, the widespread culture of betel and tobacco chewing, and low priority keeps the practice going. Therefore, isn’t it time that an anti-spitting law is brought in place and offenders held accountable for such behaviour?

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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