Don’t hawk tuah on our streets, please!

Tell-All

We asked: Why is the law or even the threat of penalty not stopping people from spitting on the roads, pavements, and every public place? Even the boundaries of flyovers are filthy with such ungainly sights. You can even see policemen spitting paan or paan masala on roads! What do you think is the reason for this stubbornness, and what can be a plausible remedy? 

In the 17th century, a Venetian traveller and writer, Niccolao Manucci, visited a city in India. In his travelogue, he wrote that he initially thought that Indians had some dental issue, as almost everyone kept spitting blood here and there. He later understood that what people were chewing and spitting was called paan. This was the year 1656. Today is 2025. For over 350 years, a lot has changed in India since then, but somehow, spitting on the road, pavements, trains, platforms, etc. has not changed. If you take the Indian flag, go to any busy market, street, or park, and spit on it, there will be national outrage and protests, and you might even go viral on social media for this act. FIRs will be registered against you, and you might even be ostracised, which would be just because the flag represents this motherland. But if you spit on this motherland, then people will shrug and look the other way, or worse, even participate. If you feel guilty about spitting on something that represents the country, then why don’t you feel guilty when you spit on this actual country? Every blotch of paan stain on walls, every phlegm on footpaths, is not just a public health hazard, but a statement that I don’t care. I will freely spit on this nation, and there is nothing you can do. Every time you look away, I will feel more encouraged to repeat this act because it is silently reinforcing that it is okay for me to disrespect the public space and that it is socially acceptable to do so. We grow up learning to keep our house clean, yet step out and treat our shared home as dustbins and spittoons. We don’t just spit on the ground. We spit on collective responsibility, hygiene, dignity, and the idea that the nation belongs to all of us, not just in the anthem or oath, but in everyday action. Spitting isn’t just unsightly — it spreads disease. Tuberculosis, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections transmit easily through expectorated saliva and mucus. In a densely populated country like ours, where millions use the same roads daily, it’s not a small matter. It’s a public health emergency hiding in plain sight. One person’s careless spit can become another’s illness. Yet we have normalised it to the point where it barely registers as wrong. It is time to consider spitting on the streets a public failure. We need stricter fines, better campaigns to discourage people from spitting on the roads, maybe even dedicated spittoons, but more than that, we need the courage to call out people who spit on the roads. Remember, every time someone spits on a road, they are spitting on our nation. Let us respond in the same way we would if someone did the same act to our flag. Our motherland deserves the same respect. -Hiraj Laljani,Publicist and a freelance writer

Globally, spitting is a sign of showing anger or disrespect to another human being. Of all kinds of physical ablutions, spitting and blowing one’s nose are the only ones that do not involve private parts; hence, no shame is involved in the act. Yet there is no dearth of public urination or soiling. The only reason for such behaviour can be traced back to our cultural and behavioral roots, where the concept of ownership of public places does not exist, where public places are thought to be expendable. If observed, the reasons for widespread spitting in our country are many. Wide availability of chewable tobacco is the prime reason at present, but spitting also has a cultural background of staving off the evil eye. Most of our rural citizens grow up watching their entire villages spitting as a social norm. Spittoons have become an art form. Small wonder that spitting is almost a national habit. Neither is it restricted to any particular class of society. It is a psychological aberration akin to rebellion. Since 2017, public spitting has been an offence in India. It was made stricter during the pandemic between 2020 and 2022. But it was enforced even in the 1970s when tuberculosis was widespread. While sensitisation efforts did make a small difference at these times, the logic and fear of penalisation faded away with the regression of the very reasons why the rules were made. Another loophole is the implementing agency. The police are already overburdened with minimal staff and a humongous workload. It is impossible to expect that they will stand vigil over spitters and write challans for the spitters. We all know that the police themselves have been seen spitting on the roads. Physician, heal thyself, before we expect them to implement laws. Ultimately, the anti-spitting campaign has to become a movement, which will drum into the brains of the public that spitting is an anti-social, undesirable, uncouth, and deplorable act. It should start with early education and field visits of pre-primary students to public spaces where they will be taught the concept of respecting common spaces. Lessons on hygiene and environmental responsibility should be integrated into the curriculum. Students should lead projects like Nukkad Natak, focusing on the topic. Full use of social media must be made to spread awareness. Religious leaders and influencers should be invited as ambassadors for this campaign. Awards can be established for communities that maintain cleanliness. Spitters should be publicly shamed in real time through the media. If this cannot be done through education and sensitisation, it needs to be a severely punishable offence, which will need to be implemented by an exclusive implementing agency consisting of Marshals. Spitting in public is a societal curse. It cannot be changed for the better by technology. Combatting this will require the collaboration of several stakeholders. We need to learn from and emulate other countries like Singapore and Sweden, Japan, and even South Korea. In the end, spitting is a human behaviour, and ultimately, humans have to change themselves to make this a success.- Shakuntala Majumdar, President, CPCA Thane

Several factors contribute to the persistent issue of spitting in public places, despite laws and penalties. It’s a complex problem rooted in a mix of cultural, social, and psychological elements. Reasons for stubbornness: cultural acceptance/habit. For many, spitting, especially after consuming paan, paan masala, or tobacco, is a deeply ingrained habit that has been normalized over generations. It’s not seen as a major offence or even an unsanitary act by a significant portion of the population. Lack of awareness/education: While laws exist, awareness about their enforcement, the associated health risks of spitting, and their impact on public hygiene might be low. Many people may not fully grasp the implications of their actions, such as the spread of diseases. Weak enforcement and perceived impunity: This is a critical factor. If people regularly witness others, including authority figures like policemen, spitting without consequence, it reinforces the belief that the laws are not serious or will not be enforced. The "threat of penalty" becomes hollow. Inadequate infrastructure: The scarcity of public dustbins, spittoons, or easily accessible public restrooms can also contribute. While not an excuse, it can make it seem "easier" to spit anywhere rather than search for a designated disposal point. Sense of anonymity and lack of ownership: In crowded public spaces, there’s often a feeling of anonymity. Individuals might feel their actions won't be singled out or that the collective responsibility for cleanliness does not fall squarely on them. Addiction: For those consuming tobacco products, the urge to spit is often a physiological consequence of the product's use. The addiction can override concerns about public hygiene or legal repercussions. Hierarchy and privilege (perceived): The observation of policemen spitting highlights a problematic aspect: If those entrusted with upholding the law are seen violating it, it creates a sense of "above the law" for some and undermines the credibility of the system. Plausible remedies: A multi-pronged approach is necessary to tackle this deeply entrenched problem. Strict and consistent enforcement: This is paramount. On-the-spot fines: Implement visible and immediate penalties. Random checks: Conduct regular drives in notorious spitting zones. Leverage technology: Use CCTV cameras to identify and fine offenders. No exceptions: Ensure enforcement applies to everyone, including government officials and law enforcement personnel. Disciplinary action should be taken against those who violate the rules. Massive public awareness campaigns: Focus on health risks: Emphasize the spread of diseases (tuberculosis, common cold, flu) through spitting, using visual and impactful messaging. Civic pride and aesthetics: Highlight how spitting degrades public spaces and reflects poorly on the community. Engage local celebrities/influencers: Use respected figures to promote clean habits. Schools and colleges: Integrate civic hygiene into the curriculum from a young age. Improved infrastructure: Increase dustbins and spittoons. Designated spitting zones: While controversial, creating specific, easy-to-clean spitting zones in certain areas could be considered as an interim measure. Behavioral nudging and social pressure.Signage: Prominently display "No Spitting" signs with information on fines and health risks. -Manoj Kumar Chaturvedi, a bank employee and animal activist, Lucknow, UP

Despite laws, fines, and public awareness campaigns, spitting in public remains a common and distressing sight in many parts of India. From pavements to flyover walls, red stains of paan and paan masala mark a disturbing disregard for public hygiene. What is worse, this behaviour is often exhibited even by those expected to uphold the law, such as policemen. The core issue lies not in the absence of rules but in the lack of internal discipline, civic sense, and social accountability. Many citizens view public spaces as “not my responsibility,” thus showing complete apathy toward cleanliness. There is also a deeply embedded cultural normalisation of chewing tobacco products, without realizing the consequences of spitting them out in public. Another reason is the poor enforcement of penalties. Even when fines exist, implementation is inconsistent or easily evaded. When policemen themselves engage in the act, it sends a message that laws can be flouted without consequence. Moreover, public spaces often lack basic infrastructure such as spittoons or public dustbins, leaving users without a proper outlet for waste. The remedy must go beyond just punishment. Civic behaviour needs to be instilled from an early age through education, community involvement, and strong public messaging. Campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan must not only focus on cleanliness but also changing habits. Government officials and law enforcers must lead by example. Technology, such as CCTV monitoring and instant fine collection via digital tools, can improve accountability. Finally, we must work on creating a sense of pride and ownership over our shared spaces. When people stop viewing roads as “someone else’s responsibility” and start treating them as extensions of their homes, only then can we hope for lasting change. -Dr Upma Chaturvedi, Professor, AGDC

Despite laws and fines against spitting in public places, the problem continues to deface our cities and towns. Roads, pavements, public buildings, and even newly constructed flyovers often bear the unmistakable red stains of paan, gutkha, or tobacco—an eyesore and a public health hazard. Why is this happening? The problem is more cultural than legal. For generations, spitting has been normalized as a harmless act in certain sections of society. Many people associate it with convenience, habit, or even hygiene, believing it's better to "get it out" than hold it in. This cultural acceptance, coupled with weak enforcement, makes the law toothless. When even policemen and public servants—those expected to model good behaviour—openly flout these norms, it sets a damaging precedent. The penalties for spitting are either too low to deter or rarely enforced. Municipal authorities often lack the manpower or political will to issue fines consistently. Worse, many public places lack sufficient signage warning against spitting, or designated spittoons, which might at least offer a less invasive outlet. What’s the solution? First, we need a cultural shift. Like seat belts or anti-smoking campaigns, public education can play a powerful role. Mass awareness campaigns via TV, social media, and schools can stigmatise the act of spitting publicly. Bollywood actors, cricketers, and other influencers must be roped in to communicate the message. Second, enforcement must be visible and strict. Spot fines should be levied aggressively, and community policing—where locals report violations—could help in high-traffic areas. Third, introduce behaviour-corrective penalties such as community service or mandatory hygiene workshops for repeat offenders. Finally, urban design must support better habits. Install more dustbins and public spittoons, especially in high-density areas. A cleaner India doesn’t begin with a law—it begins with each of us. -Jaishree Chauhan, PhD scholar,  Jigyasa University 

In my opinion, law and penalty can only restrain any act or crime against society or culture up to 20 to 25%. If the law is stringent and penalties are very high, then the crime or the nuisance social activity can be restricted up to 40% maximum. It can be seen that crimes like robbery, theft, murder, rape etc. are increasing day by day, although lot of stringent laws are there and Hon'ble High Court & Supreme Court are taking serious view against the criminals, the reason we have not been able to change the thought process against these crimes completely in the society. Contrary to this, the demand for dowry in marriage is almost over or negligible nowadays, which was quite common a few years back. The reason is that the thought process of the new generation has changed about this evil, and they are against this. It clearly shows that although the stringent law against dowry is very old, it could not stop this practice unless it was supported by a thought process change in society. Again, I will say that in my opinion if we want to stop spitting on the roadside, stringent law and heavy penalty can stop this nuisance up to 40% maximum only; but if our government or society want to stop this public nuisance completely then public awareness is very important in such a way that the thought process of a person changes and he thinks and is convinced that he should not spit on the roadside. It requires a lot of thought process change in society, which can come only from a lot of awareness by leaders/parental teachings/counselling of students in school, or cultural awareness by spiritual/ religious gurus of communities. So, I conclude based on all my views above, roadside spitting of tobacco or paan masala can be stopped only by awareness in society/public in such a way that it changes the thought process of the person to feel the act of spitting is wrong. This awareness/change of thought process should be well supported by stringent laws and heavy penalties for offenders who don’t care for good habits/ culture of civilized society. - Anuj Kumar Saxena, IFS  (Retd)

Despite laws and penalties in place, public spitting remains a common and deeply entrenched problem in India. From roads and pavements to the corners of flyovers, the ugly red stains of paan and paan masala continue to deface public spaces. Even more alarming is the fact that those tasked with enforcing the law, including some policemen, are often seen violating it themselves. This raises a fundamental question: Why is the law failing to deter this unhygienic behaviour? The answer lies in a mix of cultural habits, lack of civic sense, weak enforcement, and public apathy. Spitting in public has, for generations, been normalised. Many people grow up seeing it as an acceptable practice, particularly among users of tobacco, paan, and gutka. For them, it’s a daily routine, not an offense. This habitual behaviour, when unchecked, becomes collective irresponsibility. The problem is made worse by lax enforcement. While fines exist in theory, they are rarely imposed in practice. Municipal bodies often lack the manpower to monitor every public space. In many cases, violators know they will not be penalised, which makes the law toothless. When even law enforcers are seen indulging in the same act, it sends a message that public spitting is acceptable — or at least, not punishable. Public hygiene campaigns have been launched, but they often lack consistency and emotional appeal. Many people still do not fully understand the health hazards of spitting in the open, especially its role in spreading diseases like tuberculosis. A plausible remedy must be two-fold: strict enforcement and sustained awareness. Heavy penalties must be imposed with zero tolerance, starting with public servants. CCTVs in public places can help identify and penalize offenders. At the same time, mass awareness campaigns — through schools, social media, and community leaders — must work to change mindsets. Ultimately, public cleanliness cannot be achieved by laws alone. It requires a cultural shift, where spitting in public is seen not just as a legal offence, but as a moral failure. Only then can we hope to reclaim our public spaces from this persistent blight. - H N SINGH, Regional Member SPHEEHA; Director, Lions Club Lucknow, Kapoorthala

Spitting sometimes happens as a necessity when one needs to clear their mouth or remove irritants/phlegm / nasal congestion during a cough/cold. So, the practical advice is to use a handkerchief or tissue paper. Searching for a dustbin to spit into is also helpful. However, if one isn’t sensitive to others' feelings and spits in public, he/she needs moral policing and, of course, penalties must be imposed by tracking such people on CCTV cameras. It spreads germs, can cause airborne diseases like TB, and is a sore sight to the eyes. It is also vomit-inducing when spotted suddenly, and speaks of the coarseness of the person. Also, it is seen more in people who have bad habits like chewing tobacco, where one needs to spit out. Kindly do so at home, as public walkways/parks/flyover walls are not private property. Constant smoking also irritates the lungs, inducing a cough. So, no tobacco policy as self-discipline helps.  Also, it is gender specific as data proves men do it more often and openly than women. It is respect and responsibility towards society that needs to be instilled in daily life habits. Raising a penalty ticket is common in the West. Nowadays, clean the roads campaign / maintain cleanliness and hygiene campaigns are widespread among even distant communities. The Modi Government has also introduced the Swachh Bharat programme. If “spittoons” aren’t aware of this and do not mend themselves, they need to be counselled and made accountable for the cultural, social, and health-related dimensions of their actions. Also, enforcement agencies should be vigilant, proactive, and raise penalties, legal regulations to protect public interest and animal health. -Rajashree Nair, Founder, Speartech Designs/ Interiors and Infrastructure, Bengaluru 

I believe that civic sense refers to how a citizen understands and adheres (follow) to the rules, regulations, responsibilities, and norms that contribute to the better functioning of society harmoniously. Civic sense must be implemented in all schools throughout the country from a young age. It can be made effective by the efforts of parents, family members, teachers, society, and anyone who has a complete or deep interest in this subject (social cause). It must be taught to children to make them aware. In cities, people are becoming careless and insensitive. We do observe that spitting of paan and paan masala on the roads and pavements is becoming a great concern. We see people spit on flower pots, staircases, office buildings, and boundaries of flyovers, making for an ungainly sight. Reasons for Spitting: No fear – There is no fear in the minds of people, whether rich or poor.         No place for spitting -  There is no place assigned for spitting paan and paan masala, so people are compelled to spit on roads and other places. Ready to pay a fine - People are ready to pay a fine for spitting, which is nominal. Laws are not stringent – People find that the laws are not stringent (strict) enough, so they continue to do so. Do not own public property and places – People are spitting on public property and places, as they do not own it. They think that they can do whatever they wish to. Least Bothered and Concerned – People are least bothered to maintain a clean environment in their city. Plausible remedies: Setting up spittoons – I believe that setting up spittoons at various places in the city will solve this problem. These pots should be filled with sand. Civil sense subject – Civic sense subject must be included in the curriculum in all schools from an early age. This step, if implemented, can resolve many problems for future generations of the country. Spread Awareness – Authorities should spread awareness by organizing campaigns in schools, colleges, offices, and public places about the consequences of paan and paan masala, and ensure that they do not spit. Appoint Volunteers – Authorities should appoint volunteers who would help them in this campaign. Motivation is the Key – Authorities should motivate and inspire people for the social cause. But there should be self-motivation. It should come from within to keep the city clean, and not spit or throw paan and paan masala packets and wrappers at different places. These efforts should not be limited to cities only, but to rural (villages) areas as well. Villagers also come to work in cities and indulge in such filthy activities, so all must be made aware. Above all, we must control ourselves and check one another. -Deepali Bahadur, entrepreneur and proprietor of DB’Owns

We Indians have a habit of looking for a hidden nook or cranny or a dark corner where we can slip in some garbage! If we peel a fruit or shell peanuts, we quickly leave the skins lying around and move away. We are so particular about washing our hands, but we leave the spilled water on the floor for someone else to clean up! I saw this scene at a water fountain in Canada where my compatriot had spilt water on the floor while drinking. She just walked away, ignoring the mess she had made. A Canadian got a roll of toilet paper and wiped the floor clean! It is only in India that you will see people spitting on the roads, and paan masala stains everywhere in public places. I think there may be some fundamental issues with us as people. Classism and casteism: ‘Cleaning is somebody else’s job’, particularly cleaning of the toilets or common areas. However, cleaning of other areas can also be included in most cases. This has its roots in the class or caste system. Patriarchy: The percentage of women is very low in the national labour force, so traditionally they have the assumed role of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the house. The men never learn how to clean up after themselves! Sense of belonging and pride: Our homes are cleaned every day, and we take pride in keeping our houses neat and clean, but do we take any such pride in our locality, town, or country?  We just don’t perceive public assets as ours. Are we teaching this to our children at home and in our schools? The children will accept dirty toilets, dirty classrooms, even dirty lunchrooms, but will not raise a finger to clean up? The same behaviour is seen in cinema halls, railway stations, on roads, or in any public place. I have seen people driving by in posh cars, opening the car’s door, and spewing out a stream of paan or paan masala right on the road itself! Any wall or a corner would be used in the same way. Economic factors: Public tolerance for filth is unbelievably higher. This may be because people often prioritize immediate survival over environmental concerns, leading to neglect of cleanliness. Hence, we see them and their children picking garbage from stinking rotting garbage piles along with cows, dogs, and pigs! Their children can be seen playing in utter filth. The availability of basic cleaning agents like soap for bathing, washing hands, or washing clothes is scarce. Bathrooms and latrines are missing in their living conditions, hence open-air defecation so rampant in our country. Lack of water adds to these woes. Government policies and missing political will: Inconsistent enforcement of laws regarding littering and pollution can lead to a lack of accountability in the people as well as in the bureaucracy. Now, how can we become cleaner as a people and keep our surroundings clean and hygienic? Catch them young: We need to instill in our children the concept of equality and community living, and the utmost importance of cleanliness. Each one of us, from mohallas to houses, from schools to playgrounds, from streets to public transports, from private spaces to public spaces, will have to take on the responsibility of keeping our environment clean. The schools will have to become stricter in maintaining cleanliness in the classrooms and playgrounds. Raising awareness: We need to use community resources and efforts to educate others on the need for cleanliness and environmental issues. It should be each one’s duty to make sure that no one throws anything on the floor, and all spitting, urinating, and defecating is done in proper places.  Avoid littering: The Use of dustbins is to be encouraged at all levels. The marketplaces should have big garbage bins easily accessible to the public, and all shops should have waste bins. Even those who use a push cart for eatables must have a garbage bin in their carts. This must be made mandatory in procuring a vending licence. Punitive measures: All those who litter or throw any garbage in any public place should be fined - maybe lightly for the first offence but heavily for subsequent ones. Even children should be fined so that their parents can teach them their civic duty. Reduce, reuse, and recycle: We should minimise waste by reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling properly.  Plant trees: We have to ensure that not only are our surroundings clean but also that they are green, since having trees and greenery around us provides us with fresh, clean air. We must also implement environmentally friendly activities such as water and energy conservation. Reduce plastic usage: Use eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags and avoid single-use plastics. Polythene is a big deterrent to clean surroundings. - Manjul Pande Parvez, retired academician

विचारहीन व्यवहार भारतीय मानस के भीतर समान गहरे कारण से उपजा है- ‘हम’ की भावना का खत्म होना। सार्वजनिक शौचालय गंदे हैं, सार्वजनिक घर बदसूरत हैं, सड़कें जाम हैं, जंगल तबाह हो गए हैं और पर्यावरण प्रदूषित है क्योंकि उन्हें ‘हमारी’ आम संपत्ति के रूप में नहीं देखा जाता है। बल्कि, वे ऐसे स्वतंत्र रूप से उपलब्ध स्रोतों के रूप में दिखाई देते हैं जिनका ‘हम’ ‘दूसरों’ से पहले अधिकतम लाभ उठा सकते हैं। महानगर-व्यापक स्तर पर बहुत कम सामाजिक पूंजी हो सकते है। असामान्य रूप से, नेटवर्क की भावना का नुकसान अंतर्निहित कारण है कि शहर का शासन इस तरह के भयानक आकार में है। वास्तव में, महानगर जितना बड़ा होगा, शासन उतना ही गंभीर होगा, निवासियों की छोटी कंपनियां पूरे महानगर के लिए प्रयासों को अनुकूलित करने के बजाय अपने संकीर्ण लाभ को अधिकतम करने की कोशिश करेंगी। हम अपनी सरकारों की संकीर्ण, गैर-सार्वजनिक जरूरतें पूरी करते हैं और लोकतंत्र हमें वह प्रदान करता है जिसकी हम स्पष्ट रूप से माँग करते हैं। हमारे देश में, हमारे पास एक अतिरिक्त समस्या है। स्थानीय ‘अंदरूनी लोग’ आम तौर पर खुद को समुदाय के योगदानकर्ताके रूप में नहीं देखते हैं, और परिणामस्वरूपमानदंडों को बनाए रखने में बहुत रुचि नहीं रखते हैं। स्थानीय निवासी, खाने की जगह के मालिक, खुदरा विक्रेता, कार्यस्थल के लोग एक-दूसरे को विरोधी के रूप में देखते हैं और अब सह-मालिक नहीं हैं। भारत में स्थानीय राजनीति, यहां तक कि शहरी क्षेत्रों में भी, जाति और सांप्रदायिकआधार पर तैयार की जाती है। इसका मतलब यह है कि जब तक भारत की सामाजिक पूंजी की कमी को दूर नहीं किया जाता, तब तक सार्वजनिक पेशकशें कमजोर प्रदर्शन करेंगी, जबकि लोग अमीर होते जाएँगे। पहला कदम भारतीय मानस के भीतर ‘हम’ की भावना पैदा करना है। सद्भाव या एकरूपता नहीं, बल्कि एक बहुलवादी, असामान्य नहीं, नेटवर्क जो विविधता की कीमत पर नहीं आता है। यह समय परोपकार, कंपनी सामाजिक जिम्मेदारी, सामाजिक सक्रियता और नागरिक प्रबंधन चेतना पर है। -डॉ. मोनिकारघुवंशी, सचिव (एन.वाई.पी.आई.), अधिकारी (एन.आर.जे.के.एस.एस.)

Topic of the month: The rainy season has officially arrived, and every year, unimaginable quantities of rainwater are wasted due to a lack of water conservation efforts by both the private and public sectors. What immediate efforts must be made by us to save all that precious water which is uselessly flowing away in drains or flooding cities? You may send your views (either in Hindi or English) in not more than 800 words along with your latest pic to [email protected].