In a unique and bold initiative aimed at keeping the town clean, the Kishtwar Municipality has started pasting photographs of individuals caught throwing garbage in public spaces on a newly designated “Wall of Shame”. The move is intended to discourage residents from littering, particularly in market areas where open garbage disposal has been a persistent problem.
According to municipal officials, the open disposal of garbage not only clutters roads and alleys but also leads to the breeding of stray dogs and other animals, creating serious health hazards for residents. The initiative aims to raise public awareness and reinforce the message that cleanliness begins with individual responsibility.
“The objective is simple: to make people aware of the consequences of careless waste disposal and encourage them to follow proper waste management practices,” said a senior official of the Kishtwar Municipality. Citizens are urged not to throw garbage on streets, lanes, or public spaces and to instead use dustbins and authorised disposal points.
The “Wall of Shame” has evoked mixed reactions from residents. While many have praised the effort as a bold and creative approach to tackling littering, some have questioned the ethics of publicly displaying photographs of individuals, arguing that it could lead to social stigma or harassment.
Local schools and NGOs have welcomed the initiative, stating that educating citizens—especially children—about cleanliness and hygiene is critical to the long-term success of such campaigns.
Social commentators have described it as “a mirror to broader social attitudes”, adding that the very need for such a wall reflects a larger societal challenge: the lack of awareness and civic responsibility among citizens. “Throwing garbage openly and being indifferent about it is not just a local problem—it is a new low for civic consciousness in our country. If we want a cleaner India, it has to start with cleaner minds and attitudes towards our surroundings,” said a civic activist.
Way Forward: Municipal authorities have announced that the Wall of Shame will be part of a broader awareness campaign that includes public workshops, school awareness drives, and the distribution of guidelines on proper waste disposal. Officials have also emphasised that strict fines and legal action will accompany the campaign to ensure compliance.
The initiative in Kishtwar could serve as a model for other towns and municipalities, highlighting the importance of creative, visible, and socially engaging measures to tackle the growing problem of public littering in India.
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Asif Iqbal Naik is a senior journalist and Senior Advisor at The Chenab Times
