NEW DELHI: The Bombay High Court expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding the behavior of Indians who litter in public spaces at home, yet adhere to cleanliness standards while abroad. The court noted that individuals who casually “throw garbage on the road without batting an eyelid” in India are the same ones who make sure to discard even a small chocolate wrapper in a bin when overseas.
The court emphasized that maintaining cleanliness is a fundamental duty and called for stringent actions against those who violate this principle.
A bench comprising Justices G S Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe made these remarks during the hearing of petitions regarding pollution, unpleasant odors, gas emissions, and health hazards linked to the Kanjurmarg dumping ground in Mumbai.
Public Participation Essential for Cleanliness
The judges emphasized that public participation is crucial for keeping the city clean and urged civic authorities to enforce cleanliness regulations decisively. The court stated, “If a person wants a clean environment, then he or she has a corresponding fundamental duty towards society to maintain cleanliness. We want the civic officials to be ruthless in taking action,” as reported by news agency PTI.
Contrast in Behavior Highlighted
The bench also expressed concern about the disparity in citizens’ attitudes towards cleanliness. They pointed out that many people act respectfully regarding waste disposal when abroad, compared to their behavior in India. “Here, a person will throw garbage on the road without batting an eyelid, but these same people, when abroad, will strictly avoid such behavior,” the high court remarked.
Questioning whether this reflects the value of liberty and democracy, the court highlighted the issue of plastic waste littering public areas, including Mumbai’s beaches, and raised concerns about whether such conditions are indicative of “a civilized society.” The judges highlighted that waste on roads and in narrow lanes creates substantial health and hygiene risks for residents daily.
Calls for Effective Civic Action
Referring to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai’s slogan, ‘Swachch Mumbai, Sundar Mumbai, Aapli Mumbai, Sundar Mumbai’, the court acknowledged the civic body’s good intentions but noted that these efforts are undermined by the irresponsible behavior of citizens and insufficient enforcement by municipal authorities.
The judges remarked, “It is in these circumstances the role of MCGM’s cleanliness machinery wardwise becomes significant, to take all effective steps so that public streets are not used by the citizens as dumping places.” They warned that failing to enforce cleanliness rules would defeat the purpose of the civic body’s campaign.
Focus on Heritage and Tourism Impact
The court also raised issues regarding the management of waste near significant heritage sites like the Rajabai Tower and the Bombay High Court building. They pointed out that tourists, including international visitors, often find roads strewn with garbage due to ineffective waste collection strategies.
In a decisive move, the high court instructed the civic body to take remedial actions within a week, cautioning that further orders would be considered if compliance was not observed.
