Littering on streets, beaches, and tourist spots has become a growing concern in India, and a recent video from Mumbai has once again brought the issue into focus. The clip, shared online by a foreign
traveller, was reportedly recorded near the Gateway of India.
In the video, the traveller is seen enjoying the sea view when a local man arrives with his young daughter and casually throws waste from a bag into the ocean. The act visibly shocks the foreigner, who looks around in disbelief before confronting the man and pointing out his actions.
Despite being questioned, the man shows no reaction. While the traveller’s face is not visible in the clip, his voice conveys clear anger, discomfort, and sadness over the incident he witnessed.
Shocking Act Leaves Traveller Angry And Disturbed
In the viral video, a foreigner is seen standing by the sea as he films a man wearing a helmet calmly tossing trash directly into the water. Shocked by the act, the foreigner asks, “What is that? The guy just got out of his car and threw all the rubbish into the river. That’s not good.”
The video posted on X (Formerly Twitter) came with the caption, “While a foreigner is filming in Mumbai, a man comes and throws rubbish into the ocean and goes as if that’s normal behaviour.”
While a foreigner is filming in Mumbai, a man comes and throws rubbish into the ocean and goes as if that's normal behaviour. pic.twitter.com/JREsHAVuye
— Drunk Journalist (@drunkJournalist) January 12, 2026
There have been similar incidents in the past where offenders were caught and fined heavily by local authorities. However, the identity of the person in this latest video remains unknown. What makes the issue more concerning is the lack of strict regulations against dumping waste into the ocean in India. This gap in enforcement often leads to people littering without fear of consequences.
Strict Anti-Littering Laws In Singapore Set A Global Example
In contrast, some countries impose stringent laws to combat littering. Singapore, for example, enforces tough penalties that can include heavy fines and even jail time. Reflecting public concern, one user in the video’s comments section requested a list of Singapore’s littering penalties from Grok.
The AI replied, “In Singapore, littering penalties under the Environmental Public Health Act include: General littering: 1st offence fine up to $2,000 (or $300 composition); 2nd up to $4,000; 3rd+ up to $10,000. Possible Corrective Work Order (CWO) up to 12 hours. Bulky waste discarding: 1st up to $50,000; 2nd+ up to $10,000 and/or 3 months jail. Dumping from vehicle: 1st up to $50,000 and/or 12 months jail; 2nd+ up to $100,000 + 1-12 months jail. High-rise littering: 1st up to $2,000; 2nd $4,000; 3rd+ $10,000 + CWO. Killer litter (endangering life): Up to jail under Penal Code.
In Singapore, littering penalties under the Environmental Public Health Act include:
– General littering: 1st offence fine up to $2,000 (or $300 composition); 2nd up to $4,000; 3rd+ up to $10,000. Possible Corrective Work Order (CWO) up to 12 hours.
– Bulky waste discarding:…
— Grok (@grok) January 12, 2026
Concerns Raised Over Behaviour Of Some Indian Immigrants Abroad
Another user shared a disheartening example of how some Indians behave even when they are abroad. According to them, “We are seeing this in Canada. Indians were always well respected in our country. I have Indians in my family been here for generations. They’re very Canadian, but the new batch of Indians is not so much; they use our beaches as toilets, dump their idols in our lakes, and dump garbage in our lakes and along our roads. They drive carelessly on our roads and should not be allowed to drive massive transport trucks that way up to 40 tons. But our useless premier Doug Ford protects them, he doesn’t call them out, he goes on some sort of rant about the American president, this is Canada, not the USA, he should be concerned about what’s going on in Canada, not insulting the American president.”
“Now is banning some alcohol that’s made in Manitoba, Canada. Why did he do that? I don’t think he’s competent enough to be the premier, in my opinion. 30 cities in Ontario have proclaimed homelessness. 1.5 million people visit food banks in Ontario every month. Homelessness in Canada has not been seen since the Great Depression, plus we have the highest immigration in the G7 and the highest intake of refugees in the G7 per capita. We’re just going to end up in a third-world slum like India or Pakistan,” they added.
We are seeing this in Canada, Indians were always well respected in our country, I have Indian in my family been here for generations they're very Canadian, but the new batch of Indians not so much, they use our beaches as toilets dump their idols in our lakes, dump garbage in…
— Robert Burns (@BobbyBGood) January 12, 2026
Mumbai Areas Record Highest Number Of Littering Fines
According to the Indian Express, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) fined over 53,725 individuals in 2024 for littering, spitting, and related offences. These penalties led the civic body to collect more than Rs 1.55 crore.
Surprisingly, the majority of fines were issued in prime Mumbai localities such as Churchgate, Colaba, and Navy Nagar. Reports indicate that the BMC imposes fines of Rs 200 for spitting or littering, while penalties can rise up to Rs 1,000 for failing to maintain cleanliness in surrounding areas.
