<p>Japan is famous for its unique culture, organisation skills as well as cleanliness.</p>

<p>In an effort to understand the level of cleanliness in Japan, an Indian influencer decided to test its streets during her trip to the country. The video has since gone viral on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian influencer Simran Balar Jain decided to ditch her shoes and walk wearing only sparkling clean white socks on the streets of Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the viral video, the influencer is seen walking through the country's streets most innovatively.</p>

<p>At the start of the clip, Jain is seen entering a store to buy a brand-new pair of plush, white socks.</p>

<p>However, instead of making efforts to keep them clean and pristine, Jain removes her shoes and instead wears those socks while walking on the streets of Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, Jain is seen walking along the country's footpaths and across zebra crossings as she tours the streets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>However, what the netizens found mind-boggling was that her socks remained spotless and as new as they were when she purchased them from the store.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/saudi-couple-takes-the-plunge-with-stunning-underwater-wedding-769166">Saudi couple takes the plunge with stunning underwater wedding</a></p>

<p>As the video played, Jain spoke about the result of her test and said that her socks remained remarkably clean and there was barely any dirt on them.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Netizens react to the video</strong></h2>

<p>The netizens found the video and its results very interesting and it sparked a lot of reactions on the social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video received more than 26 million views and people from across the world commented on it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I’m shocked – how are the socks still this clean?" said a viewer.</p>

<p>"How can anyone walk around without worrying about dirt? Japan must really be as clean as they say!" commented another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is why I need to visit Japan!" joked a netizen. "Jain’s socks are more spotless than my entire wardrobe," wrote another.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan is famous for its unique culture, organisation skills as well as cleanliness. In an effort to understand the level of cleanliness in Japan, an Indian influencer decided to test its streets during her trip to the country.

Japan is famous for its unique culture, organisation skills as well as cleanliness. In an effort to understand the level of cleanliness in Japan, an Indian influencer decided to test its streets during her trip to the country. The video has since gone viral on the internet. Indian influencer Simran Balar Jain decided to ditch her shoes and walk wearing only sparkling clean white socks on the streets of Japan. In the viral video, the influencer is seen walking through the country's streets most innovatively. At the start of the clip, Jain is seen entering a store to buy a brand-new pair of plush, white socks. However, instead of making efforts to keep them clean and pristine, Jain removes her shoes and instead wears those socks while walking on the streets of Japan. In the video, Jain is seen walking along the country's footpaths and across zebra crossings as she tours the streets. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simran Jain (@simranbalarjain) × However, what the netizens found mind-boggling was that her socks remained spotless and as new as they were when she purchased them from the store. Also Read: Saudi couple takes the plunge with stunning underwater wedding As the video played, Jain spoke about the result of her test and said that her socks remained remarkably clean and there was barely any dirt on them. Netizens react to the video The netizens found the video and its results very interesting and it sparked a lot of reactions on the social media platform. The video received more than 26 million views and people from across the world commented on it. "I’m shocked – how are the socks still this clean?" said a viewer. "How can anyone walk around without worrying about dirt? Japan must really be as clean as they say!" commented another. "This is why I need to visit Japan!" joked a netizen. "Jain’s socks are more spotless than my entire wardrobe," wrote another. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian influencer tests Japan's cleanliness by walking on its streets in white socks. Here's the result

<p>A northern Italian province&nbsp;has ordered&nbsp;DNA test for all dogs in a bid to find their owners and impose a fine on them if they fail to clean up their pet’s poop amid a crackdown on the scourge of dog litter on&nbsp;the streets.</p>

<h2><strong>DNA test for dogs</strong></h2>

<p>Once the DNA of the dog is collected, the test results will be inserted into a database, which can be used to search for the culprits and their owners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The database, which is yet to be created, will be accessed by street cleaners and health officials in the&nbsp;autonomous province Bolzano-South Tyrol&nbsp;to check whose abandoned poop is littering the streets of the Italian province after genetically testing it. Subsequently,&nbsp;the owners will be&nbsp;traced&nbsp;and face fines of 50 to 500 euros ($54 to $540).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/primitive-but-effective-washington-turns-to-dogs-and-cats-to-help-deal-with-rising-rat-problem-605906">'Primitive but effective': Washington turns to dogs and cats to help deal with rising rat problem</a></strong></p>

<p>An estimated 40,000 dogs in the province were required to undergo a DNA test at a veterinary clinic by the end of December 2023 before the initiative was introduced in January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Any owner who refuses the DNA profiling for their dog, which will be made compulsory by the end of March will be fined between 292 to 1,048 euros ($318 to $1179).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The provincial government covering Bolzano city and surrounding towns is creating the database, said veterinary department director Paolo Zambotto.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 10,000 have already been registered. “Bolzano receives a few hundred complaints a year from citizens about improper management of public land. More than half are for dogs,” Zambotto told Reuters.</p>

<p>He added, “Law enforcement could only catch three or four of them because they have to go there and set up some kind of stakeout.”</p>

<h2><strong>Not just poop</strong></h2>

<p>Arnold Schuler, a provincial councillor told Rai news that the database made using the DNA tests will also be used to identify dogs killed in road accidents or that attacked other animals or people.</p>

<p>“In this way, we are making it easier for everyone to have their pet registered," he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/an-id-card-for-dogs-stray-dogs-outside-mumbai-airport-get-aadhar-with-qr-codes-says-report-616929">ID card for dogs: Strays outside India's Mumbai airport get 'Aadhaar' with QR codes</a></strong></p>

<p>Dog owners will be expected to get&nbsp;blood tests done for their dogs, at municipal dog shelters or vet clinics which cost around 60 to over 100 euros ($71 and $109).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The measure has also received some criticism and has mostly been questioned over how this&nbsp;complex and costly initiative will be implemented and&nbsp;managed. Many&nbsp;have questioned what will happen&nbsp;if the culprits are strays or are owned by tourists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While others said it was an additional expense for the municipality and the police, who could be using these resources elsewhere.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A northern Italian province has ordered DNA test for all dogs in a bid to find their owners and impose a fine on them if they fail to clean up their pet’s poop amid a crackdown on the scourge of dog litter on the streets.

A northern Italian province has ordered DNA test for all dogs in a bid to find their owners and impose a fine on them if they fail to clean up their pet’s poop amid a crackdown on the scourge of dog litter on the streets. DNA test for dogs Once the DNA of the dog is collected, the test results will be inserted into a database, which can be used to search for the culprits and their owners. The database, which is yet to be created, will be accessed by street cleaners and health officials in the autonomous province Bolzano-South Tyrol to check whose abandoned poop is littering the streets of the Italian province after genetically testing it. Subsequently, the owners will be traced and face fines of 50 to 500 euros ($54 to $540). ALSO READ | 'Primitive but effective': Washington turns to dogs and cats to help deal with rising rat problem An estimated 40,000 dogs in the province were required to undergo a DNA test at a veterinary clinic by the end of December 2023 before the initiative was introduced in January. Any owner who refuses the DNA profiling for their dog, which will be made compulsory by the end of March will be fined between 292 to 1,048 euros ($318 to $1179). The provincial government covering Bolzano city and surrounding towns is creating the database, said veterinary department director Paolo Zambotto. Around 10,000 have already been registered. “Bolzano receives a few hundred complaints a year from citizens about improper management of public land. More than half are for dogs,” Zambotto told Reuters. He added, “Law enforcement could only catch three or four of them because they have to go there and set up some kind of stakeout.” Not just poop Arnold Schuler, a provincial councillor told Rai news that the database made using the DNA tests will also be used to identify dogs killed in road accidents or that attacked other animals or people. “In this way, we are making it easier for everyone to have their pet registered," he said. ALSO READ | ID card for dogs: Strays outside India's Mumbai airport get 'Aadhaar' with QR codes Dog owners will be expected to get blood tests done for their dogs, at municipal dog shelters or vet clinics which cost around 60 to over 100 euros ($71 and $109). The measure has also received some criticism and has mostly been questioned over how this complex and costly initiative will be implemented and managed. Many have questioned what will happen if the culprits are strays or are owned by tourists. While others said it was an additional expense for the municipality and the police, who could be using these resources elsewhere. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Find and fine’: Italian province orders DNA tests for all dogs to trace owners not scooping the poop

In Pics | Top cleanest cities in the world

World-renowned Japanese decluttering expert says that she has "kind of given up" on tidying her home after having a third baby. This has raised an important question - Should you fall for idealistic living standards? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Marie Kondo’s new messier mode

Data reveals that 2 in 3 Indians clean their homes consistently. This is the most frequent among countries surveyed from Southeast Asia. The online survey was taken by 32,282 people across 33 countries… among them 1,019 were Indians. Findings also suggest there are lesser "reactive" cleaners in India as compared to the rest of the world.

Cleanliness is next to godliness: India leads by example

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-conducts-high-level-meeting-with-nsa-ib-and-raw-chiefs-amid-kashmir-terror-threat-240663"> Chief Amit Shah </a>has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day.</p>

<p>Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832"> second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units.</p>

<p>Party workers have been also directed that flag hoisting at all BJP units must be done after the culmination of Prime Minister Modi's address at the Red Fort and they should take a pledge to make India free of corruption, communalism, and casteism.</p>

<p>BJP chief has also directed the party workers to carry out cleanliness drive at the nearest memorial dedicated to freedom fighters and martyrs and also to honour their relatives.&nbsp;</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day. Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day. Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units. Party workers have been also directed that flag hoisting at all BJP units must be done after the culmination of Prime Minister Modi's address at the Red Fort and they should take a pledge to make India free of corruption, communalism, and casteism. BJP chief has also directed the party workers to carry out cleanliness drive at the nearest memorial dedicated to freedom fighters and martyrs and also to honour their relatives.

Cleanliness drives to be the core of Bharatiya Janata Party's Independence Day celebration, party issues guidelines

<p>In her modified-SUV, Sangeetha Sridhar has already traversed 26 states, four Union territories and covered 41000 kilometres across India in the last 181 days. But, it’s not just another trip to explore the vastness of our country. In a conversation with WION, during her stopover in Chennai Sangeetha Sridhar shared her experiences.</p>

<p>Sridhar is on a 'Swachhagraha'&nbsp;or the ‘Clean Indian trail’, a mission to spread the message of cleanliness and to conduct surprise checks on public toilets via experiential audit and share the results with the UN Sustainable Development Board. During stopovers at different cities and villages, she delivers motivational speeches at schools and colleges on a range of topics from women empowerment to social service.</p>

<p>Sangeetha Sridhar grew up in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and later moved to the Middle-East where she has been working in the field of e-governance for over 25 years. An adventure-lover from a young age, Sridhar was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and her own father’s wishes to see her serve her homeland. Recalling the journey that she kickstarted from Mumbai on August 12, 2018, she said, "I picked this year (2018) as it marks the Sheikh Zayed’s 100th anniversary and Bapuji’s 150th anniversary, so I began a humble journey just like the Satyagraha".&nbsp;</p>

<p>During her journey, Sridhar conducted the audits at public toilets that dotted highways, rural areas and also crowded tourist spots. Her observations were logged on a mobile application, while she expected to cover around 100 toilets across the country, she has now audited over 220.</p>

<p>"Ninety-nine per cent of the time I always found a toilet when I needed one. In my observation the traditional Indian toilets are cleaner as they can be better maintained than the western ones,"&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''In rural areas families have shown pride in owning a personal toilet, just like one would brag about a TV or sofa" she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For resting at night, Sridhar uses the bed which has been fitted onto the last two-rows of her SUV. When the weather turns too harsh, she depends on the kindness of people who offer her a room in their homes. Reminiscing about the warmth and love she experiences from people she never knew before, she says "in rural and semi-urban areas hospitality was outstanding, but sometimes the city-folks were apprehensive about a stranger who asked for a parking lot".&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sangeetha Sridhar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b7a8c70-f52b-4b01-846d-5b494d888431" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2821%29.jpg" /></p>

<p><img alt="Sangeetha Sridhar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8e8f604-c82b-4371-8245-b0e804ce60d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2822%29.jpg" /></p>

<p>She also fondly recalls instances when she cooked South Indian dishes while being hosted by a family in the North-east region.</p>

<p>While crisscrossing the length and breadth of India, she says that her husband and son were of constant support and motivation.</p>

<p>"During the course of my trip, my son completed his higher studies in the US and started working, whereas my husband (who is in Oman) tracked my progress via the phone App and suggested places to visit". To ensure that she stays fit and alert to undertake the arduous drive, she consumed only one cooked meal a day and relied upon locally available fruits, tender coconut water for refreshments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, on the last leg of her journey, which could last another 50 days she says that "Having travelled abroad a lot, I can say that my own beautiful Bharat is much much more beautiful than any other place that I have seen abroad".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Proudly showcasing a Khukri, Bow and arrow which Sridhar received as gifts from the tribes in North-east India, she shares her philosophy of Clean India “any of the Swachh Bharat campaigns won’t succeed without individuals attitude change. We are responsible for any waste that we generate. Organic waste is wealth and composting it is important. A Clean India is our right and responsibility”.</p>

<p>Note: The TATA Hexa SUV she drives is sponsored by TATA Motors. She has been bearing the fuel expenses on her own.&nbsp;</p>


In her modified-SUV, Sangeetha Sridhar has already traversed 26 states, four Union territories and covered 41000 kilometres across India in the last 181 days. But, it’s not just another trip to explore the vastness of our country.

In her modified-SUV, Sangeetha Sridhar has already traversed 26 states, four Union territories and covered 41000 kilometres across India in the last 181 days. But, it’s not just another trip to explore the vastness of our country. In a conversation with WION, during her stopover in Chennai Sangeetha Sridhar shared her experiences. Sridhar is on a 'Swachhagraha' or the ‘Clean Indian trail’, a mission to spread the message of cleanliness and to conduct surprise checks on public toilets via experiential audit and share the results with the UN Sustainable Development Board. During stopovers at different cities and villages, she delivers motivational speeches at schools and colleges on a range of topics from women empowerment to social service. Sangeetha Sridhar grew up in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and later moved to the Middle-East where she has been working in the field of e-governance for over 25 years. An adventure-lover from a young age, Sridhar was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and her own father’s wishes to see her serve her homeland. Recalling the journey that she kickstarted from Mumbai on August 12, 2018, she said, "I picked this year (2018) as it marks the Sheikh Zayed’s 100th anniversary and Bapuji’s 150th anniversary, so I began a humble journey just like the Satyagraha". During her journey, Sridhar conducted the audits at public toilets that dotted highways, rural areas and also crowded tourist spots. Her observations were logged on a mobile application, while she expected to cover around 100 toilets across the country, she has now audited over 220. "Ninety-nine per cent of the time I always found a toilet when I needed one. In my observation the traditional Indian toilets are cleaner as they can be better maintained than the western ones," she said. ''In rural areas families have shown pride in owning a personal toilet, just like one would brag about a TV or sofa" she added. For resting at night, Sridhar uses the bed which has been fitted onto the last two-rows of her SUV. When the weather turns too harsh, she depends on the kindness of people who offer her a room in their homes. Reminiscing about the warmth and love she experiences from people she never knew before, she says "in rural and semi-urban areas hospitality was outstanding, but sometimes the city-folks were apprehensive about a stranger who asked for a parking lot". She also fondly recalls instances when she cooked South Indian dishes while being hosted by a family in the North-east region. While crisscrossing the length and breadth of India, she says that her husband and son were of constant support and motivation. "During the course of my trip, my son completed his higher studies in the US and started working, whereas my husband (who is in Oman) tracked my progress via the phone App and suggested places to visit". To ensure that she stays fit and alert to undertake the arduous drive, she consumed only one cooked meal a day and relied upon locally available fruits, tender coconut water for refreshments. Currently, on the last leg of her journey, which could last another 50 days she says that "Having travelled abroad a lot, I can say that my own beautiful Bharat is much much more beautiful than any other place that I have seen abroad". Proudly showcasing a Khukri, Bow and arrow which Sridhar received as gifts from the tribes in North-east India, she shares her philosophy of Clean India “any of the Swachh Bharat campaigns won’t succeed without individuals attitude change. We are responsible for any waste that we generate. Organic waste is wealth and composting it is important. A Clean India is our right and responsibility”. Note: The TATA Hexa SUV she drives is sponsored by TATA Motors. She has been bearing the fuel expenses on her own.

Chennai's Sangeetha Sridhar spreads message of cleanliness and women empowerment

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has flagged off the 'Clean and Green Pakistan'&nbsp;initiative, vowing to make his country cleaner than Europe in the next five years.</p>

<p>He formally launched the programme on Saturday by picking up a broom and sweeping a ground and interacting with school children.</p>

<p>Speaking after launching the initiative, Geo News quoted Khan as saying, "Pakistan ranks seventh among countries affected by global warming, [while] Lahore is among the cities with the highest pollution level. There is no litter in Europe. We litter our country, our lakes and are destroying the future of our country. Pollution decreases 11 years of a person`s life. We need to get out of this mindset that Pakistan will remain same as before."</p>

<p>The cricketer-turned-politician further informed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government planted one billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during its tenure. He said that his administration is planning to plant 10 billion trees across the country.</p>

<p>Khan underlined that Pakistan would serve as an example to others by becoming a clean country for the next few years.</p>

<p>The 66-year-old leader also took to his Twitter handle and invited the youth of the country to become actively involved in the cleanliness drive.</p>

<p>He wrote, "Today I launched our #CleanGreenPakistan campaign - a 4-pronged strategy for next 5 years: clean our air, our rivers, our land &amp; make Pak green through tree plantation drive. I want all our nation to be involved, especially youth and children to lead from the front &amp; change people`s mindsets."</p>

<p>Last month, Khan had launched 'Plant for Pakistan'&nbsp;drive, a part of the PTI-led government`s 'Billion Tree Tsunami 2018'&nbsp;initiative.</p>

<p>In his previous speeches, Khan had emphasised on tackling climate change by planting trees and promoting renewable sources of energy. He had also called for a change in mindset among the people by keeping the country clean.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has flagged off the 'Clean and Green Pakistan' initiative, vowing to make his country cleaner than Europe in the next five years.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has flagged off the 'Clean and Green Pakistan' initiative, vowing to make his country cleaner than Europe in the next five years. He formally launched the programme on Saturday by picking up a broom and sweeping a ground and interacting with school children. Speaking after launching the initiative, Geo News quoted Khan as saying, "Pakistan ranks seventh among countries affected by global warming, [while] Lahore is among the cities with the highest pollution level. There is no litter in Europe. We litter our country, our lakes and are destroying the future of our country. Pollution decreases 11 years of a person`s life. We need to get out of this mindset that Pakistan will remain same as before." The cricketer-turned-politician further informed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government planted one billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during its tenure. He said that his administration is planning to plant 10 billion trees across the country. Khan underlined that Pakistan would serve as an example to others by becoming a clean country for the next few years. The 66-year-old leader also took to his Twitter handle and invited the youth of the country to become actively involved in the cleanliness drive. He wrote, "Today I launched our #CleanGreenPakistan campaign - a 4-pronged strategy for next 5 years: clean our air, our rivers, our land & make Pak green through tree plantation drive. I want all our nation to be involved, especially youth and children to lead from the front & change people`s mindsets." Last month, Khan had launched 'Plant for Pakistan' drive, a part of the PTI-led government`s 'Billion Tree Tsunami 2018' initiative. In his previous speeches, Khan had emphasised on tackling climate change by planting trees and promoting renewable sources of energy. He had also called for a change in mindset among the people by keeping the country clean.

Will make Pakistan cleaner than Europe: PM Imran Khan

<p>Indian government and various NGO&rsquo;s have been playing their bit by taking rigorous initiatives like &lsquo;Swachh Bharat Abhiyan&rdquo;, in order to keep the environment clean and healthy. However, it is heart-breaking to see that Indian society is somewhat failing to understand and perform its part.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Keeping the ideology in mind that man is a sensible social being and considering Indians as moralised civilians, the government arranged shoe covers for visitors touring Taj Mahal, so that the dirt of visitors&#39; shoes could be prevented and, thus, the whiteness of the Taj could be well-maintained. Ironically, these shoe covers are littered everywhere or found wafting in the air.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
At first, one might see a poised monument of white marble, beautifully embossed with Arabic inscriptions, securing its stature in the list of seven wonders of world. But when looking around the premises, one might lower the eyes and clamp up noticing the place being littered with the piles of plastic water bottles and discarded shoe covers left behind by the people who come down to admire the monument.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Taj looks shabbier with these wandering shoe covers than it would have looked with dirt stains at first. The beauty of the place has deteriorated despite the efforts of keeping rubbish away, bringing disgrace and dishonour to our heritage eventually. Now, the question is who is to be blamed?&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A consciousness of basic hygiene, etiquettes and sensibility of our society is yet again questionable whenever I see the dirty walls in our country. Instead of tall standing walls of pride, our walls become the &lsquo;wall of shame&rsquo;. Walls have layers of paan stains and its corners are used as the local urinal. It is absurd to witness red spitting stains and red letters running in bold saying &lsquo;Fine of Rs. 200 for spitting and littering here&rsquo;.<br />
<br />
Along with the emotional toll, such discoloured walls bring the dilemma of whether to laugh at these ironic sights or get disheartened.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
These experiences bring me back to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.&nbsp;<br />
Well, we have been talking about the many failures of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but a deeper analysis is needed into who is to be blamed for the same.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Every individual needs to understand his responsibility of attaining and maintaining the balance in various aspects of our society whether be it health, ecology or heritage. The government of India has taken its step for the conservation of Taj, cleanliness of surrounding and in turn, the protection of its citizens. Now it&rsquo;s the responsibility of us, the Indians, to keep the surrounding clean in order to maintain the ecological balance as well as the esteem of our nation, because if one of them is destroyed, the other is affected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</p>


The beauty of Taj has deteriorated despite the efforts of keeping rubbish away, bringing disgrace and dishonour to our heritage eventually.

Indian government and various NGO’s have been playing their bit by taking rigorous initiatives like ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, in order to keep the environment clean and healthy. However, it is heart-breaking to see that Indian society is somewhat failing to understand and perform its part. Keeping the ideology in mind that man is a sensible social being and considering Indians as moralised civilians, the government arranged shoe covers for visitors touring Taj Mahal, so that the dirt of visitors' shoes could be prevented and, thus, the whiteness of the Taj could be well-maintained. Ironically, these shoe covers are littered everywhere or found wafting in the air. At first, one might see a poised monument of white marble, beautifully embossed with Arabic inscriptions, securing its stature in the list of seven wonders of world. But when looking around the premises, one might lower the eyes and clamp up noticing the place being littered with the piles of plastic water bottles and discarded shoe covers left behind by the people who come down to admire the monument. Taj looks shabbier with these wandering shoe covers than it would have looked with dirt stains at first. The beauty of the place has deteriorated despite the efforts of keeping rubbish away, bringing disgrace and dishonour to our heritage eventually. Now, the question is who is to be blamed? A consciousness of basic hygiene, etiquettes and sensibility of our society is yet again questionable whenever I see the dirty walls in our country. Instead of tall standing walls of pride, our walls become the ‘wall of shame’. Walls have layers of paan stains and its corners are used as the local urinal. It is absurd to witness red spitting stains and red letters running in bold saying ‘Fine of Rs. 200 for spitting and littering here’. Along with the emotional toll, such discoloured walls bring the dilemma of whether to laugh at these ironic sights or get disheartened. These experiences bring me back to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Well, we have been talking about the many failures of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but a deeper analysis is needed into who is to be blamed for the same. Every individual needs to understand his responsibility of attaining and maintaining the balance in various aspects of our society whether be it health, ecology or heritage. The government of India has taken its step for the conservation of Taj, cleanliness of surrounding and in turn, the protection of its citizens. Now it’s the responsibility of us, the Indians, to keep the surrounding clean in order to maintain the ecological balance as well as the esteem of our nation, because if one of them is destroyed, the other is affected. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How Taj Mahal is doing under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?

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