Take Responsibility: Creating a Cleaner and More Civilized City | Global TV
By Nigel Albuquerque
I live in an area where the streets are lined with clinics and diagnostic centers. Together these centres are attracting countless outstation vehicles every day. People come here in search of medical care, yet they leave behind something far less welcome. The garbage that they create but refuse to carry. Empty bottles, plastic wrappers, ice cream cups, juice boxes, and even dirty diapers are casually tossed onto the streets.
When confronted about their littering, these supposedly “educated” people respond with sarcasm, asking, “Where are the bins?” They find it absurd to keep their waste in their cars until they find a proper disposal point. It’s almost as if their convenience overrides the very basic decency of keeping public spaces clean.
This isn’t just about individual behaviour. The clinics and doctors running these facilities are equally responsible. Let me explain why.
The Unspoken Responsibility of Clinics
Doctors operating clinics in this area shrug off responsibility for the mess. “We never asked anyone to park here or litter,” they argue. Technically, that’s true. But running a clinic is not just about offering healthcare. It comes with a broader responsibility to ensure that the clinic’s operations and its visitors do not inconvenience the surrounding community.
Here’s a real-life example: I once took up the issue with a prominent diagnostic clinic in the area. After some persistent efforts, the clinic was compelled to act. They installed waste bins, put up signposts discouraging littering, and instructed their watchman to ensure that the road remained clean and unblocked. This wasn’t rocket science, but just basic steps to take responsibility for their share of the problem. It worked well. The area remained clean since maintained well.
The clinics need to understand that they are part of the ecosystem that enables this littering. Their patients and their parties are the primary offenders. If they don’t want to be held accountable, then perhaps it’s time for strict measures to force accountability.
The Case for Hefty Fines
If common decency doesn’t work, then let’s talk about money. I propose a hefty fine of ₹15,000 for those caught littering. This can be enforced with CCTV evidence. And here’s the kicker: if a clinic is found contributing to the problem by not providing adequate waste disposal options, the fine should extend to them too.
This might sound harsh, but do you think people will keep dirty diapers or juice cups in their car if they know they might be fined? The answer is obvious.
Inform-Educate-Communicate (IEC) Campaigns
Fines alone won’t solve the problem. There’s a dire need for awareness. The corporator and health inspector in charge should organize an Inform-Educate-Communicate (IEC) program in the area. This would involve educating both residents and visitors about the importance of cleanliness and the consequences of littering.
The message should be clear: the city belongs to everyone, and keeping it clean is everyone’s responsibility.
Why Clinics Must Step Up
Clinics, too, must step up their game. They should:
- Install waste bins near their premises.
- Put up clear, visible signposts discouraging littering.
- Instruct their staff, including watchmen, to monitor and maintain cleanliness in the vicinity.
- Collaborate with local waste management agencies to ensure timely disposal of waste.
It’s not just about compliance. It is about creating an environment of mutual respect between the clinic, its patients, and the community it serves.
Ward Committees and Community Action
If ward committees (WCs) are not doing their job, residents must demand action. Civic bodies exist to serve the people, not to avoid responsibility. If the current members of the WC are ineffective, perhaps it’s time to replace them with individuals who care about the community’s well-being.
Meanwhile, community groups and local welfare associations can play a critical role in bridging gaps. Regular meetings with clinic owners, doctors, and residents can help implement practical solutions and address grievances.
The Bigger Problem: Educated but Uncivilized
What’s most alarming is the behaviour of the so-called educated individuals who litter. Their actions highlight a deeper societal issue: a lack of civic sense. Education means nothing if it doesn’t translate into responsible behaviour.
Schools and workplaces need to emphasize the importance of civic responsibility. Campaigns promoting cleanliness shouldn’t just be about aesthetics; they should foster a sense of pride and ownership in keeping our cities clean.
Cleanliness is Everyone’s Business
A clean city isn’t just the government’s responsibility. Cities Cleanliness is everyone’s collective responsibility. Doctors, clinics, residents, and visitors must work together to address the problem. Fines and campaigns are tools to enforce accountability, but lasting change will only come when we all adopt cleanliness as a shared value.
Whether you’re a visitor, a clinic owner, or a resident, remember this: the city is our collective home. Keeping it clean is our duty. It is a reflection of who we are as a society. Let’s take responsibility and create a cleaner, more civilized city for all.
