Bengal begins crackdown on spitting, littering; fines to be imposed

Spitting on roads, littering, open defecation and public urination will now attract fines in West Bengal as the state government began enforcing a new cleanliness drive across urban areas on Tuesday. Under the initiative, anyone caught spitting in public will face a Rs 100 fine, while dumping garbage or spreading filth in public places will attract a penalty of Rs 200. Open defecation or urination will also invite a Rs 200 fine, while using banned single-use plastic carry bags below 125 microns will carry the same penalty.

Focus on behavioural change

Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal said the initiative was aimed at changing public behaviour and developing a greater sense of responsibility towards shared spaces rather than generating revenue through penalties. Authorised civic inspectors will enforce the rules at public places, including markets, hospital zones and transport hubs, with fines to be collected through digital payment modes.

The government is simultaneously working to improve civic infrastructure, including waste-management facilities and public toilets. Pal said dustbins would not be installed inside residential areas, with households instead encouraged to segregate waste and hand it over to sanitation workers. The administration is also working on arrangements to provide alternatives to banned plastic carry bags in markets.

Alternative bags through vending machines

The government plans to facilitate vending machines offering environmentally friendly bags at markets across the state. One type of machine will dispense corn-based bags for Rs 1 each, while another will provide cloth bags priced between Rs 5 and Rs 10. Authorities are providing funds and facilitating contacts for installation of the machines, although the rollout is expected to take time because of the large number of markets.

The crackdown comes despite existing provisions against public spitting and littering, whose enforcement has remained inconsistent. The government hopes the latest drive will strengthen civic discipline and encourage residents to take greater responsibility for keeping public spaces clean.