‘Paint It Red’Growing Menace of Paan Stains

New Delhi, December 27, 2025: A wave of frustration and civic debate has been ignited in the United Kingdom following a series of viral videos highlighting the prevalence of paan and gutka stains in London. In a recent clip posted by journalist Brooke Davis on December 25, 2025, the streets of Wembley were observed to be marred by dark red and brown splotches. The video, which has amassed over four million views, features the journalist sarcastically “counting” the stains—reaching nearly 50 in just 30 minutes—on pavements, walls, and public dustbins.

The Financial Burden of Spitting

The aesthetic damage to the city’s infrastructure is being accompanied by a significant financial toll on local taxpayers. It was reported by the Brent Council that over £30,000 (approximately ₹33 lakh) is spent annually to remove these stubborn stains using high-pressure jet washers. Despite these efforts, the porous nature of London’s pavement stones often means the marks remain visible. Consequently, authorities have been observed implementing a “zero-tolerance approach,” with signs in multiple languages, including Gujarati, warning offenders of immediate £100 fines.

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“London or Kanpur?”: The Internet’s Reaction

The reaction from the global South Asian community has been a mix of deep embarrassment and sharp humor. On platforms like X and Instagram, the phrase “Londonpur” began trending as users compared the scenes to the streets of Kanpur or Mumbai. One viral comment stated, “You can take the person out of the country, but you can’t take the lack of civic sense out of the person.” While some users jokingly suggested checking teeth at visa offices, others expressed genuine concern that such behavior fuels negative stereotypes and xenophobic rhetoric against immigrant communities.

Health Risks and Environmental Hygiene

Beyond the “eyesore” factor, the public health implications of the habit have been highlighted by medical experts. It was noted that the mixture of betel nut, lime, and tobacco is a potent carcinogen and that the act of spitting in public spaces increases the risk of spreading respiratory infections. Residents in areas like Rayners Lane and North Harrow have been heard calling for even stricter bans, as shops selling these products are often observed surrounded by freshly “painted” red patches on the nearby sidewalks.

A Call for Cultural Responsibility

As the year 2025 draws to a close, this viral moment has served as a wake-up call for the diaspora to maintain the cleanliness of their adopted homes. It is being argued by community leaders that cultural heritage should be celebrated through food and art, not through the defacement of public property. The video remains a focal point for demands that the £100 fine be significantly increased to act as a real deterrent, ensuring that London’s streets are preserved for all citizens to enjoy without the “hideous” reminders of unhygienic habits.