From Garden City to Garbage City.

We live in a democracy where we all enjoy certain fundamental rights. We ensure that we receive our rights, but how often do we fulfill our duties as responsible citizens?
Take Bengaluru, for example, a metro city that's rapidly expanding in all directions. With its growing population, fueled by people chasing their dream jobs, the pressure on civic amenities has increased significantly. We often blame the government for the issues we face, but do we ever stop to consider whether we are doing our part?
Once known as the "Garden City," Bengaluru is now often referred to as the "Garbage City." One of the main culprits is our approach to waste disposal and segregation. It's quite simple to segregate waste at the source—put biodegradable waste in one bin and non-biodegradable waste in another. The latter, including plastics and metals, can be recycled, turning waste into a resource that generates revenue. Yet, many of us find it easier to ignore this responsibility, thinking, "It’s not my job." But imagine the workers who have to sift through mountains of waste to separate it—would any of us want to do that? Probably not. So why should it fall solely on someone else's shoulders?
Public spaces are littered with garbage, and despite the government's cleanliness drives, the efforts often fall short. Why? Because we, the citizens, fail to dispose of waste properly. We know about the government’s programs and policies but choose not to actively participate. We tolerate improper waste disposal, both by ourselves and by others, leading to a dirty city that keeps getting dirtier. The government does try to keep the city clean, but with a handful of civic workers handling the waste generated by an ever-growing population, the challenge is immense.
But is there a solution? Yes, there is. To address this issue, we could implement novel punishments for those who litter. Imagine if offenders were made to wear a janitor’s uniform and clean up the mess they created in public spaces. Instead of imposing fines that many can easily pay, this method could bring about real change. The fear of such a humiliating punishment might deter people from littering, and over time, this could lead to a cleaner, greener Bengaluru—a true "Swachh Bharat." Also giving the right education to the students will help us arrest the problem.
It's time we stop pointing fingers and start taking responsibility. Only then can we restore Bengaluru’s lost glory as the "Garden City."