Patna is witnessing a significant crackdown on public spitting and littering, with a new civic drive proving to be both a deterrent and a revenue generator. The Patna Municipal Corporation's (PMC) aggressive "Nagar Shatru" initiative, launched just five days ago, has already resulted in fines from approximately 500 violators, collecting over Rs 2 lakh.
A Drive for Behavioral Change, Not Just Revenue
While the financial gains are notable, PMC officials emphasize that the core mission is societal transformation. A senior executive clarified that revenue generation is a secondary outcome. "Our main goal is to bring about a behavioural change in the residents that will lead to social development," the official stated. The campaign, operating under the directives of Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena, is being rolled out in phases across high-footfall zones like subways and multimodal hubs.
PMC spokesperson Priya Saurabh highlighted the necessity of the drive, noting that despite public awareness, the undesirable practices persist. "As long as there is no imposition of fine, people would not want to stop," she asserted. The campaign's impact is now visible across all six circles of the city.
On-Ground Challenges and Digital Vigilance
The enforcement teams, however, face considerable resistance on the streets. Amit Raj, a PMC sanitation officer managing field collections, described the difficulties. "It is not an easy task as people refuse to give the fine and create a ruckus," he said. Raj noted that offenders come from all walks of life, comprising an "equal blend of unlettered masses and workers, as well as educated high-class people." On a single Saturday, his team collected around Rs 3,000 from the Bankipore circle alone.
To bolster accountability and efficiency, the PMC is leveraging technology through its Integrated Command and Control Centre. This system utilizes a network of 3,300 CCTV cameras across 415 locations citywide. Images of violators are promptly sent to zonal enforcement teams for on-the-spot action.
The 'Name and Shame' Policy for Repeat Offenders
In a stern move to instill discipline, authorities have announced a "Name and Shame" policy. Under this, repeat offenders will have their names and photographs publicly displayed on Variable Message Display screens throughout Patna. This round-the-clock digital surveillance is a decisive step aimed at eradicating unsightly red and yellow paan stains from public spaces.
The overarching objective of the "Nagar Shatru" campaign extends beyond immediate cleanliness. It is a strategic effort to improve Patna's standing in the national Swachh Survekshan rankings. By combining on-ground enforcement with technological monitoring and social deterrence, the PMC hopes to cultivate a lasting culture of civic responsibility among Patna's residents.
