**Darjeeling: Viral Video Sparks Debate Over Littering and Regional Stereotypes**
A video from Darjeeling capturing a confrontation between a local resident and a group of tourists from Bihar over littering has been making rounds on social media. Posted on X on October 6, the clip shows a heated exchange after the tourists discarded a child’s soiled diaper by the roadside.
The footage features a narrow, litter-strewn roadside in Darjeeling, with plastic bottles and paper debris scattered along a drainage line. A blue car bearing a Bihar licence plate (“BR01”) is parked nearby as a local man confronts its occupants. Gesturing toward the rubbish, he demands that they clean up.
The argument soon becomes tense, with the man accusing the tourists, saying, “Bihar ka aadmi aisa hota hai. Bachche ka ye nappy hai, isko dustbin mein phenkna chahiye tha.” (This is how people from Bihar are. This is a child’s diaper, it should have been thrown in a dustbin.)
One of the tourists responds from inside the car, “Post kar do video,” (Post the video) before stepping out to collect the waste and place it back inside the vehicle. The video, now viral, has ignited discussions online regarding civic behaviour as well as regional stereotypes.
### Online Debate Over Regional Bias and Civic Responsibility
Reactions to the video have been mixed. Some users have praised the local man for taking a stand against roadside littering. Conversely, others have criticised his comments as reflecting regional prejudice.
Several replies defended the tourists for their willingness to comply and clean the area, framing the incident as a lesson in accountability rather than shame.
### Sustainable Tourism Challenges in Darjeeling
The video highlights ongoing challenges related to sustainable tourism in Himalayan regions like Darjeeling, where unchecked waste disposal poses serious environmental threats.
For context, neighbouring Sikkim has implemented strict measures, including fines of Rs 5,000 for illegal dumping, which reportedly reduced pollution levels by 40% since 2019, according to state data.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of civic responsibility and respect for the environment to preserve the pristine beauty of tourist destinations like Darjeeling.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bihar-ka-aadmi-aisa-hota-hai-viral-video-shows-darjeeling-local-confronting-tourists-over-throwing-soiled-diaper-on-roadside