Why's It So Easy To Spit In Mumbai And Go Scot-Free?

Spitting in a public place without a second thought comes naturally to most Mumbaikars. When a nuisance is this deep-rooted that most don't even realise that what they are doing is wrong, only strict rules and a watchdog can bring about some change.

Spitting in a public place without a second thought comes naturally to most Mumbaikars. When a nuisance is this deep-rooted that most don't even realise that what they are doing is wrong, only strict rules and a watchdog can bring about some change.

While there are reports about the state government planning to enact a law banning spitting in public areas, it would lack teeth because the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) currently does not have a mechanism to keep an eye on offenders.

According to civic officials, BMC doesn't have personnel to personally go out on the streets and stop this disgusting habit. Until last year, it would get the job done through its 720 clean-up marshals (30 men per 24 administrative wards). In addition to this, it has 103 posts of nuisance detectors (NDs) and 550 junior overseers (JOs) scheduled. However, after its contract to outsource personnel working as clean-up marshals expired in June last year, it has no eyes on the streets. Plus, even though it has 103 ND posts, only 11 of them are occupied. The corporation can't recruit personnel now owing to a legal hurdle, officials said.

Adding to this is the overburdened schedules of JOs, who are too occupied with their primary duty of keeping their respective jurisdictions garbage-free to have time to dissuade spitters, officials admitted.

"We can take action against spitters, but once the contract of clean-up marshals expired, action taken has been negligible," a senior civic official said.

Deputy municipal commissioner (solid waste management) Prakash Patil admitted to the problem, but said, "We are going to seek expression of interest (EOI) to appoint clean-up marshals. This will help us stop people from littering." EOI is a process where you invite a company interested, in this case, to provide manpower.

Meanwhile, corporators expressed doubts over whether the BMC will be able to the curb the practice of clean-up marshals making a quick buck through fines. "There have been cases of clean-up marshals demanding exorbitant amounts from offenders in the name of fines. The BMC must address such issues," said opposition leader Devendra Amberkar.