Surat Diamond Bourse Takes a Stand Against Betel Juice Menace
The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), the world's largest office complex surpassing even the Pentagon in size, has declared an all-out war on a persistent local nuisance: the spitting of betel juice. Despite various attempts across the city—such as displaying notices, pictures of deities, and freshly painted walls—the stubborn habit of spitting mava, a mix of betelnut, catechu, and tobacco, continues to stain public spaces. In Surat, often called the Diamond City, walls have turned red, and flyover parapets have been repainted from blue and black to brown to camouflage the unsightly marks, testing civic patience to its limits.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Strict Penalties
In response, the SDB management has drawn a firm line, implementing a zero-tolerance policy against mava. The new rules prohibit carrying, chewing, or spitting mava within the building. Penalties await those caught violating these restrictions, and repeat offenders who stain the walls will have their mugshots publicly displayed as a deterrent. While the exact fine amount is yet to be finalized, authorities are determined to keep the iconic structure gleaming. To enforce this, the management is even considering installing cameras in washrooms to monitor compliance.
Arvind Shah, president of the Surat Diamond Bourse, emphasized the strict stance, stating, "Those coming to SDB have been asked not to enter the building chewing mava, not to carry it or leave stains in toilets or wash basins either." This crackdown comes at a critical juncture as the SDB management committee actively encourages manufacturers, traders, and brokers to operate from the complex. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has been holding meetings with diamond traders from areas like Mahidharpura, urging them to transition their operations to SDB.
Industry Cooperation and Broader Impact
The Surat Diamond Brokers Association (SDBA), representing approximately 4,000 members, has pledged full cooperation, with 1,800 brokers already registered for regular visits to the bourse. Nandlal Nakrani, president of SDBA, affirmed, "The SDB management has provided us all support needed. Now, it is our responsibility to ensure that such a wonderful building remains in best condition. We are informing brokers to strictly follow the restrictions on mava or face penalty and punishment." Vice-chairman Lalji Patel added that everyone, including brokers, has been strictly instructed against bringing, chewing, or spitting mava in the building.
Patel leads by example at his own diamond manufacturing company, Dharmanandan Diamond, where employees caught chewing mava on the premises are fined. This initiative reflects a broader effort to promote cleanliness and professionalism in Surat's diamond trade, which aims to become a global hub. The SDB, formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17, 2023, represents a major step in this ambition, though it now faces the challenge of making all 4,200 offices functional.
Architectural Grandeur and Future Prospects
Built at an estimated cost of Rs 3,200 crore, the bourse boasts a carpet area of 6,728,604 square feet—about 55,000 square feet larger than the Pentagon. The 15-storey, 81-meter-high complex features nine towers spread across a 35.54-acre campus, with a built-up area of 6,817,050 square feet. As Surat strives to enhance its global standing in diamond trading, maintaining the pristine condition of this architectural marvel is paramount, making the crackdown on betel juice spitting not just a cleanliness drive but a symbol of the city's commitment to excellence and order.
