Chennaiites feel it is time the authorities took firms steps to stop spitting and urinating on road
A file picture of the stained pillars at Taramani MRTS railway station. (Photo: DC )
Chennai: Walking down a road or using the over-bridge at railway stations, red stains on walls no longer present a surprising sight. Even as authorities tend to focus on beautifying the city, their task is not being made any easier when spitting and urination in public continue apace. As the country celebrates its 68th year of Independence, Chennaiites feel it is time the authorities took firms steps to stop spitting and urinating on road.
In 2008, for the first time, the Chennai corporation introduced a fine of Rs 50 for spitting and urinating on roads and other public places. Intended to be a deterrent, the move seems not to have yielded the desired effect. Last week, a similar resolution was passed by the Coimbatore corporation to prevent spitting and defecating in public places.
Activists and residents argue that irrespective of legal penalisation, it will require sustained effort to combat this problem as Chennai consists of a significant percentage of a floating population that is primarily here for employment. An awareness campaign should be conducted, targeting all segments, Govindaraj of Exnora said. “The importance of maintaining public hygiene must be conveyed to the thousands of migrant labourers working here, besides local residents.” He suggested that flying squads and dedicated teams be set up for this purpose.
Residents doubt the resolve of the administration in finding a solution. “If Singapore and other countries can enact laws and enforce them strongly, what makes our government not follow their example?” said Jeyachandran, a student of Madras Christian College.
Saidai P. Ravi, former opposition leader in the Corporation, echoes this doubt when he says that were the present administration serious in its intent to preserve public spaces, it should ensure that the walls along roads are not plastered with posters. “If people see that the roads are clean, they will be discouraged to litter the area,” he said.
Pointing out that there had been no initiatives so far by the present council to keep the roads clean, he said, “During the past regime, four major arterial roads, including Anna Salai and Kamaraj Salai, were declared poster free zones, but that has been revoked.”
( Source : dc correspondent )
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