London Streets Turn Red From Paan Stains; Council Shells Out ₹35 Lakh For Cleanup

Chewing paan and spitting it on the roads is a common practice in India. The habit has become so normalised that seeing red paan stains on walls, streets, or corners no longer surprises us. But should the same be expected in London, where the problem has now become so costly that authorities are forced to spend ₹35 lakhs every year just to clean those stains? Keep reading to know what’s happening. 

London Is Spending Lakhs To Clean Paan Stains

 

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According to a Hindustan Times report, London’s Brent Council has revealed that authorities spend more than £30,000 (₹35 lakhs approx.) each year to clean up paan stains left by members of South Asian communities. The stains are not just painting London’s streets red but also the shops, pavements and buildings. Chewing paan and spitting has become a common habit in many South Asian countries. We are not shocked to see these stains here. However, London will not tolerate this bad habit, which has now crossed borders. 

The UK is now facing consistent issues due to individuals carrying this habit from their home countries to London. The council is forced to spend large amounts every year to remove the dark red paan stains, which are unsanitary and look disgusting. Paan chewing has become so widespread in parts of Brent, especially around Wembley, where red-coloured spit is often seen on pavements, telephone boxes and even flower beds. Naturally, locals are furious. The official Instagram page of the Brent Council also posted the video showing paan stains on the pavements and their annual cleanup drives. 

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‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy Announced By The Council 

According to Hindustan Times, the Brent Council has now pledged to take a ‘zero tolerance approach’ to the problem. They claim paan chewing and spitting cause serious health issues. They will now take strict action against those ruining Brent’s streets with red stains.

Those caught spitting paan in public places will now be fined £100 (₹11,825 approx). This initiative aims to keep Brent clean. Moreover, the council stated that they also run one-to-one support sessions, where residents can get help to quit paan and smoking. Now it remains to be seen if fines can make the paan spitters finally let go of their bad habit.

Also Read: “Gutka Brigade Showed Up,” Netizens React As Paan Stains Appear At Newly Launched Mumbai Metro Line 3

What do you think of this? Isn’t it surprising to see the streets of London stained with paan?

Cover Image Courtesy: @brentcouncil/ Instagram