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Amsterdam Litter Sparks Civic Sense Debate
30 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Indian man shared a video of a littered Amsterdam street.
- The video questions perceptions of civic sense in India.
- Amsterdam ranks high for quality of life, but faces criticism.
A video shared by an Indian national, Rahul Mahajan, has prompted a wide-ranging debate about civic sense, particularly concerning urban cleanliness. The footage, captured in Amsterdam, reveals a street strewn with garbage, a sight that contrasts sharply with the Dutch capital's established image of pristine public spaces.
Mahajan's post, which included a Hindi voiceover questioning why India is often criticized for lacking civic sense, went viral, attracting diverse opinions. While some social media users defended India's own civic standards and others acknowledged the litter issue in Amsterdam, a significant portion advised against comparing the two nations, emphasizing their distinct contexts.
This event occurs as Amsterdam was recently ranked sixth globally for quality of life, a testament to its overall livability. However, the viral video serves as a potent reminder that even highly-rated cities can face challenges with public cleanliness, sparking a nuanced conversation about perceptions versus reality.
