Patna: Spitting in public places will now come at a cost in the state capital, as the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has tightened enforcement to keep the city clean. People found spitting in open spaces after consuming paan or gutkha will be fined ₹500, and their photographs will be displayed on Variable Message Display (VMD) screens across the city.
According to civic officials, offenders will be categorised as “nagar shatru” (enemies of the city) as part of a public awareness drive aimed at discouraging unhygienic behaviour and curbing urban filth.
CCTV-based monitoring from ICCC
The PMC has integrated around 3,300 CCTV cameras installed across Patna with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). These cameras will be used to identify individuals spitting in public places. The ICCC has been instructed to ensure that photographs of violators are displayed on VMD screens. Similar penalties will also be imposed on people found urinating in public.
Municipal teams have been directed to remain alert and take on-the-spot action against violators.
Fines already imposed on over 250 people in subway
The crackdown has been launched on the instructions of Patna Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena. Officials said spitting after consuming paan and gutkha has adversely affected the city’s appearance, with several red spots emerging at intersections, flyovers and along roadsides.
In the underground subway connecting the Multi-Modal Hub to Patna Junction, fines have already been collected from around 250 individuals for spitting in public. Officials said December witnessed the highest number of cases, with about 156 people caught spitting since then. In this subway area, offenders can be fined up to ₹1,000.
Civic body appeals for public cooperation
The Patna Municipal Corporation has appealed to citizens to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness. Residents have been urged to report anyone found dirtying public spaces by calling the PMC toll-free number 155304.
Civic officials believe that if people refrain from spitting in public places, it will not only improve Patna’s cleanliness ranking but also enhance the overall beauty of the city.
