Assam's Tinsukia Municipal Board Uses CCTV to Curb Public Urination and Littering

A cleanliness campaign launched by the Tinsukia Municipal Board in Assam has triggered a nationwide debate after introducing a "Hall of Shame" initiative aimed at discouraging public urination and littering. The campaign gained wider attention after Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora highlighted it on social media platform X, suggesting that major cities such as Mumbai could consider adopting similar measures to tackle persistent civic issues. The initiative has drawn both praise and criticism, with many viewing it as an innovative attempt to improve public hygiene while others question its approach to public accountability.

As part of the campaign, the municipal board has installed CCTV cameras at locations identified as frequent hotspots for public urination and littering. Images of individuals caught violating civic rules are displayed on LED screens at select public locations. According to municipal officials, the objective is to discourage repeat offences by creating greater public awareness and encouraging residents to adopt responsible civic behaviour. Authorities maintain that the campaign is intended as a behavioural intervention rather than a punitive exercise.

Tinsukia Municipal Board Chairman Pulok Chetia said the municipality's intention was not to humiliate individuals but to promote awareness about maintaining cleanliness in public spaces. He explained that the civic body had spent years conducting awareness campaigns urging residents not to litter or urinate in public. Despite the availability of public and pay-and-use toilets across the town, violations continued, prompting officials to adopt a more visible strategy. Chetia said the municipality hopes the campaign will encourage people to think twice before engaging in such behaviour.

Also Read: Hyderabad Authorities Ask Swiggy, Zomato To Remove Unlicensed Food Vendors

The initiative received national attention after Milind Deora suggested on X that civic authorities in Mumbai could consider naming, shaming and fining habitual offenders while simultaneously ensuring access to clean and adequate public toilet facilities. Chetia welcomed the increased attention, saying the discussion had helped bring the issue of civic hygiene into the national spotlight. He expressed hope that if the campaign encouraged conversations about cleanliness across the country, it would contribute to positive behavioural change beyond Tinsukia.

Residents have responded with mixed but largely supportive views. Several people have welcomed the initiative, saying the possibility of being publicly identified could discourage individuals from creating a nuisance in public spaces. At the same time, many residents stressed that enforcement measures should be supported by improved civic infrastructure, including a greater number of accessible and well-maintained public toilets. They argued that awareness campaigns alone may not be sufficient unless practical alternatives are readily available.

Responding to these concerns, Chetia said the municipality is already working to expand sanitation infrastructure and plans to construct additional public toilets in the coming months. However, he emphasised that infrastructure alone cannot solve the problem without active public participation and stronger civic responsibility. The campaign has since sparked discussions beyond Assam, with supporters describing it as a bold and innovative cleanliness drive, while critics argue that behavioural initiatives should be carefully balanced with privacy considerations and adequate public facilities to ensure lasting improvements in civic hygiene.

Also Read: 30 Civilians, Seven Iranian Soldiers Killed In US Air Strikes