Bombay HC slams 'litter here, cleanliness abroad' mindset, seeks stricter waste management action

The Bombay High Court on Friday strongly criticised the widespread habit of littering in public places observing that many people who strictly follow cleanliness rules abroad often fail to do the same in India The court questioned whether such behaviour reflected the standards of a civilised society and called for stricter enforcement of waste management rulesThe observations came during the hearing of a batch of petitions highlighting pollution foul odours gas emissions and health hazards faced by residents living near the Kanjurmarg dumping ground in Mumbais eastern suburbsCourt questions citizens attitude towards cleanlinessA Bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe stressed that maintaining cleanliness is not only the responsibility of civic authorities but also a fundamental duty of every citizenIf 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 the court saidThe Bench observed that while many Indians carefully dispose of waste in designated bins when travelling overseas they often litter roads and public spaces back home without hesitationWe have to sensitise our citizens Here a person will throw garbage on the road without batting an eyelid but these same people when abroad will strictly avoid such behaviour Even a small chocolate wrapper they will throw in the dustbin the court remarkedIt further asked Is this the price of liberty and democracyBench raises concern over plastic wasteThe High Court also expressed concern over the growing volume of plastic waste scattered across public spaces including Mumbais beachesReferring to the visible accumulation of plastic and garbage the judges questioned whether such conditions were consistent with a modern urban societyThe Bench observed that the city continues to face serious health and environmental risks because of garbage dumped on roads footpaths and in residential areasIt noted that poor waste disposal practices contribute significantly to hygiene concerns and urban pollutionCivic body urged to strictly enforce rulesReferring to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbais MCGM cleanliness campaign slogan the court said the civic bodys objective of maintaining a clean city was being undermined by irresponsible public behaviour and inadequate enforcementThe Bench observed that while the intention behind the campaign was commendable it could succeed only if both citizens and civic officials fulfilled their responsibilitiesIt is in these circumstances the role of MCGMs cleanliness machinery wardwise becomes significant to take all effective steps so that public streets are not used by the citizens as dumping places the court observedIt added that failure to implement existing rules effectively would defeat the very purpose of the civic bodys cleanliness initiativeCourt flags garbage near heritage landmarksThe High Court also raised concerns over the handling of waste by municipal garbage collection vehicles near some of Mumbais prominent heritage landmarks including the Rajabai Clock Tower and the Bombay High Court buildingThe judges noted that domestic and international tourists visiting these locations often encounter garbage on nearby roads because of improper waste handling and transportationThe court directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai to take corrective measures within a week to address the issueIt warned that if appropriate action is not taken within the stipulated period the court would be compelled to issue further directionsHearing linked to Kanjurmarg dumping groundThe observations were made while hearing petitions filed over pollution and environmental concerns surrounding the Kanjurmarg dumping ground where residents have complained of persistent foul odours gas emissions and associated health risksThe High Court indicated that improving waste management practices across Mumbai would require stronger civic enforcement as well as greater public awareness emphasising that keeping the city clean is a shared responsibility between citizens and authoritiesWith inputs from PTI