In a bold move to uphold public hygiene, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has issued 22 e-memos in the past ten days to individuals caught spitting in public spaces. Leveraging CCTV footage from strategically placed cameras at traffic junctions across the city, the AMC’s Solid Waste Management department has cracked down on offenders under the Public Health Bylaws, 2012. These e-memos include photographic evidence, complete with details such as the offender’s vehicle registration number, location, and timestamp of the offence.
The fine for spitting, recently increased from ₹100 to ₹200, escalates to ₹500 if not paid within a week. On 17 November alone, AMC penalised over 15 individuals, collecting ₹3,000 in fines. These measures aim to deter behaviours that jeopardise public health and contribute to unhygienic conditions in the city. By targeting two-wheeler and three-wheeler riders, as well as four-wheeler drivers, AMC highlights the need for collective civic responsibility in addressing urban cleanliness.
From a sustainability perspective, such actions underscore the importance of behavioural change in achieving cleaner, healthier cities. Spitting in public not only poses significant health risks but also contributes to environmental degradation. AMC’s proactive use of technology, including CCTV monitoring and e-memos, reflects a forward-thinking approach to urban management. These initiatives are a step towards aligning civic practices with broader goals of sustainable urban development.
This crackdown also raises pertinent questions about civic awareness and responsibility. As Ahmedabad evolves into a modern metropolis, such efforts are vital in addressing long-standing urban hygiene challenges. By ensuring stringent enforcement and leveraging digital tools, AMC sets a precedent for cities across India to prioritise cleanliness, public health, and sustainable urban living.
