Miscreants defacing Metro walls to be taken to task

New Delhi: Betel nut juice stains are no less than an eyesore for the Delhiites who come across such sights almost everywhere across the prominent Delhi Metro interchanges. The Metro station at Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate is already plastered with notices, warning commuters not to deface the station. While the corridor of Rajiv Chowk has eased travel woes for lakhs of commuters, the stations seem to be getting dirtier day by day.

The official data shared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) shows that at least inside the metro stations, people are trying to be civil. During the month of June-2017, total number of commuters penalised for spitting were 81. Out of which, four commuters were penalised at Rajiv Chowk and 12 at Kashmere Gate.

A Metro official, while stressing on the fact that a decline has been observed in the instances of commuters spitting on the metro stations, says, "There is a decline in the number of offences over the years. This could be because of the fine levied on the passengers for spitting. Whenever a person enters a Metro station, he realises that he cannot spit because he might get fined."

Anil Samhotra, a regular commuter at Delhi Metro said:"The DMRC must have an aggressive awareness campaign, coupled with very stringent penalties. In fact, repeat offenders may even be barred from using the Metro – just like a driving license can be taken away for repeat offences in some countries."

Meanwhile, another commuter Jyoti Pandey says, "Imposing such fines cannot change the mindset of people. Had such fines made any wonders, then men would not enter women's coach despite a penalty for it."

"There are many people who spit at Metro stations but only few are caught. No one can keep an eye on passengers round the clock. Therefore, they easily escape the offence," a sweeper at Metro station said.