No qualms about littering public spaces

The garbage issue is still something that’s worrying the City but despite this, it’s common to see people throwing food waste and other trash out of their vehicles.

   The list of items is endless: gum packaging, sandwiches and even drink bottles are tossed from cars and buses and sometimes, by bike riders. Metrolife speaks to Bangaloreans about this issue.

“People don’t think too much before doing this. It’s a question of awareness and
being conscious of one’s surroundings. It’s very unhygienic,” says Thejasvi Bhat, a software engineer.

He also feels that the mindset of the people is what needs to change to set this issue straight.

Most Bangaloreans feel that since there are no specific rules about littering on the go, people believe that they can get away with anything. Prasad Shetty, a businessman in the City, says, “The reasons could be many — most often, someone is eating something and throws the remains out of the vehicle. Whatever the reason, if everyone made a conscious decision to question such people, they might think twice.”

   Prasad feels that this issue happens mostly in areas like Majestic and Shivajinagar.
Others believe that some form of punishment would help increase awareness. Bharath Ranganathan, the manager of a band in the City, who studied in Singapore, comments, “I have an acute sense of cleanliness because of my education abroad and I’m glad I haven’t contributed to the existing garbage issues in the City. It’s really annoying to see people do this. There should be some sort of punishment. The best way to tackle this situation would be to fine offenders.”

Bharath also feels that more dustbins need to be added to the roads so that there’s no excuse for such incidents.

There are different things that can happen due to this non-civic behaviour of people. Mayuri Kedarnath, a homemaker in Ganganagar, shares a recent incident.

   “I was on my way to a wedding when a passing van’s window rolled down and out came flying a cup with a drink and the leftovers of a chicken noodle meal. It fell on me and my attire got ruined.”

   Mayuri feels that she was lucky it wasn’t anything heavy, as that could have hurt her or another passer-by. Ask the authorities about this and K R Niranjan, special commissioner of BBMP, says, “We have proposed a fine under Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, and are waiting for the government to pass it. But policing is a difficult thing to do as no one knows where this will happen. This nonsensical attitude of the people needs to change.”