Spittoon at Mumbai Metro station sparks debate over paan use and cleanliness

File pic

An online debate has sparked over a spittoon installed at a Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Metro Line station, drawing mixed reactions from citizens. While some argue that paan spitters should be fined instead of penalised, others believe habitual offenders will never use the receptacles.

ActivistSpeak

Zoru Bhatena, a citizen activist
‘This photo is from Gundavli station and was shared with me by a friend. It comes across as just another oddity. Some people responded online, saying these bins have been present at the station for a long time but have remained unused'

Commuters' fears

Many users on X have also generated AI images showing the receptacles turning red with paan stains if left unchecked. Some also raised concerns that the steel bins could be stolen from stations.

Citizens' concerns

Siddhesh Pangam, a commuter
‘On one hand, many bodies are moving to ban gutka and paan, and this move seems like it's encouraging it. I take the Metro often enough, and I have only noticed it now; perhaps the move aims to reduce and remove paan stains from the Metro stations'

An X user
‘I was under the impression that carrying/consuming gutka on the Metro is prohibited. But was shocked to see a spit bin at Gundavli station! Wouldn't this further encourage gutka consumption in the commute?'

Cleanliness move

Others believe the move could help keep Metro stations clean. While many do not carry food and other consumables inside the Metro, some carry such items till the concourse.

"It isn't a wrong move. The receptacle can be a helpful move for keeping our Metro lines clean and can encourage citizen cleanliness," said Dhaval Shah, head of Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen Association (LOCA).

While mid-day reached out to the MMRDA, no response was received by press time.