In a strong move to tackle persistent public nuisance, the Hubballi division of the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has intensified its crackdown on spitting, smoking, and open urination at its bus terminals. The division has resorted to imposing hefty fines, collecting a total of Rs 1.1 lakh from passengers over the last three months for flouting rules.
Frustration Leads to Strict Action
According to H Ramangouder, the divisional controller of the NWKRTC Hubballi division, the drive was launched after repeated appeals for maintaining cleanliness fell on deaf ears. Staff, including drivers and conductors, expressed extreme difficulty in educating the public, often facing arguments and even physical altercations when they requested people not to spit betel juice, gutka, or smoke.
The situation was compounded by the habit of open urination, which created unhygienic conditions and a foul smell around the bus stands. "Despite repeated requests, people continued to behave arrogantly and irresponsibly," Ramangouder told TOI, explaining the decision to start penalizing offenders.
The Fine Structure and Collection Details
The corporation implemented a clear penalty system to deter the unclean habits. A fine of Rs 200 is levied for smoking, while spitting betel or gutka incurs a Rs 100 penalty. Similarly, open urination in public areas also attracts a fine of Rs 100.
Vigilant staff kept a close watch at major bus stands including Gokul, Hosur, Kalghatagi, Kundagol, and Navalgund. The financial collection data reveals the scale of the problem:
- October 2023: Rs 31,800 collected in fines.
- November 2023: Rs 31,700 collected.
- December 2023: Rs 5,700 collected.
The significant drop in December collections suggests that the strict enforcement is beginning to yield results, changing passenger behavior.
A Drive for Sustained Cleanliness
Ramangouder emphasized that the primary intention was not to trouble the public but to ensure cleanliness across all NWKRTC establishments. Alongside the fines, the division has undertaken awareness measures, putting up placards and boards appealing for cooperation. Dustbins have been placed at multiple points within bus stands to encourage proper waste disposal.
While the controller noted visible improvements in cleanliness, particularly at the Gokul bus terminal, he acknowledged that cultivating a sense of public responsibility is a long-term endeavor. "It will take a long time to educate people to willingly cooperate with the authorities," he stated, urging the public to join hands with the corporation to completely eradicate these unhygienic practices from bus terminals and other public spaces.
