Using garbage as a tool of intimidation against residents is a direct betrayal of the vision and spirit of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. In administrative terms, such misadventures amounts to serious misconduct. The bizzare incident at Bathindi involving dumping of waste outside a citizen’s home, has once again exposed an entrenched culture of goondaism within sections of the civic body. The anger and disbelief expressed by enraged citizens on social media over viral videos of this ugly episode have reignited debate on impending need for privatisation of sanitation service for greater accountability and dismantling blackmailing ecosystem exists in civic body. In broader perspective, no civilised society can accept such level of lawlessness over a trivial matter that could easily have been addressed with peaceful means.
As a matter of fact, garbage is meant to be removed from neighbourhoods, not used to settle personal scores. When public employees weaponise waste against citizens, it reflects a serious breakdown of discipline within the system. Residents across Jammu are already familiar with the troubling work culture in several wards. Some workers reportedly disappear after marking biometric attendance, while others appear more interested in side earnings than sanitation duties. The declining cleanliness in many localities reflects this neglect, even though several sincere workers continue to perform their responsibilities under difficult conditions.
The Bathindi episode is not an isolated confrontation. It points to a deeper institutional failure that has gone unchecked for far too long. Similar incidents in the past have damaged the corporation’s image and strengthened the perception that some employees can act without fear of consequences. Those responsible must face immediate disciplinary action and be shifted from the ward. More importantly, the administration must now examine structural reforms, including partial privatisation of sanitation services. Jammu cannot allow public cleanliness to remain hostage to civic lawlessness.