PMC Cracks Down on Those Spitting in Public

Times of India
30 September 2009
Snehal Sonawane Sawant
Pune, India

Most Offenders Refuse To Pay Fine; Only Six Oblige
Despite people refusing to pay up or accusing civic staff of manhandling them, the 14 municipal ward offices have begun the drive to charge Rs 1,000 from those who spit at public places. Six people paid the fine.

The action is being taken by sanitary inspectors and nuisance detection squads (NDS) of each ward office following orders from municipal commissioner Mahesh Zagade two days ago to contain the spread of Swine Flu. Zagade used special powers bestowed upon him to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

On day 1, action was taken by the Dhole–Patil road ward office and Aundh ward office against the offenders. “We collected fine from three people – one from Dhole Patil road and two at Koregaon Park. We explained to these people why we are conducting this drive and how the Swine Flu virus can spread because of spitting,” said Uttam Bhosale, supervisor of NDS.

Ward officer Shriram Salvekar said that although people showed resistance in paying the fine, they went ahead with the drive because the orders by commissioner clearly said that the fine has to be a deterrent for people. “We did not show any discretion and made sure that offenders paid Rs 1,000,” Salvekar said. Aundh ward officer Jayant Bhosekar said that total 107 cases were registered and fined collected from them.

“However, not all offenders were ready to pay the entire amount. There were about three who paid Rs 1000 and the others paid as much as was possible for them at that time. Today was the first day of the drive. It will gain momentum in a few days,” Bhosekar said.

In other areas like Dhankawdi and Sangamwadi, there were 20 and 57 cases registered respectively, but none paid Rs 1,000. In Tilak road ward office too offenders refused to pay more than Rs 25, which was amount collected as fine prior to the new orders. Similar difficulties were faced in other ward officers, where people tried to run away or in turn accuse PMC staff for manhandling them.

Municipal commissioner Mahesh Zagade maintained that the main objective behind the entire drive was to make people aware that spitting is a bad habit and that the PMC is there to take action against the offenders.


“It’s not just about numbers or the fine. We want to send a signal that spitting is bad and people must stop it. Initially there will be resistance but I’m sure most people will on their own restrain from spitting. Each of us should understand that spitting may spread H1N1,” Zagade said.