West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed strong displeasure over the deteriorating cleanliness of Kolkata’s roads and walls. Despite beautification efforts spitting and gutkha stains continue to tarnish the city’s aesthetics. She has now ordered officials to consider implementing strict laws to tackle this issue ahead of the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit.

Details & Context

Kolkata’s streets, bridges, and walls have been adorned with the signature blue-and-white theme. However, despite these efforts, the city's beauty is being marred by red stains from betel leaf (paan) and gutkha spitting. Even flyovers and streetlight poles are not spared. Frustrated by this, CM Mamata Banerjee, during a special cabinet meeting at Nabanna, instructed officials to explore legal actions against those defacing public spaces.

She pointed out that while the state is working hard to enhance Kolkata’s appeal before the global business summit, the habit of spitting in public places continues to be a major issue. She also mentioned personally witnessing gutkha stains on the Vidyasagar Setu, expressing her frustration over people's lack of civic sense.

Government’s Stand & Possible Actions

- Mamata Banerjee has directed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to study the feasibility of stricter laws against public spitting.

- Authorities may introduce fines or other penalties to discourage the practice.

- The government is actively working to maintain cleanliness, especially with the arrival of international delegates for the Bengal Global Business Summit.

Public Reaction & Past Efforts

The West Bengal government has repeatedly emphasised maintaining cleanliness yet the situation remains unchanged. Citizens and officials alike believe that stronger enforcement is necessary. Many residents also feel that public awareness campaigns, alongside strict fines could be the solution.

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Impact on the Bengal Global Business Summit

On February 5-6, the summit will welcome global investors including industrialists like Mukesh Ambani, Sajjan Jindal and Sanjiv Puri as well as foreign dignitaries. With global attention on Kolkata the government is determined to showcase a clean and well-maintained city.

As Kolkata prepares for a high-profile global summit, the issue of public spitting and gutkha stains has drawn sharp criticism from the Chief Minister. Whether strict laws will be implemented remains to be seen, but the message is clear—Kolkata must maintain its beauty and dignity on the world stage.