Mid-Day Impact: Panvel bus stand toilet finally opens after nearly two months

Panvel Municipal Corporation officials along with corporators opened the toilet on Monday. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

[popcorn number="August 10" desc="Day the toilet was opened" class="Default"]

A toilet that became a symbol of civic delay at the Panvel bus stand has finally opened its doors. Following sustained reporting by mid-day, the newly-installed facility, which had remained locked for nearly two months, is now available for commuters and public transport staff. The opening comes after mid-day first reported the issue on June 27, and subsequently followed up when the facility remained shut despite the civic body's assurances.

Major relief

On Monday, Panvel civic body Chief Mangesh Chitale confirmed to mid-day that the facility had finally been opened. The opening has brought relief to NMMT personnel who have been using alternative facilities while waiting for the dedicated toilet at the bus stand to become functional.

Inside the newly-inaugurated facility at Panvel bus depot

Delay despite assurance

The development comes a day after mid-day reported that the toilet continued to remain shut despite the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner having earlier assured that it would be opened within days. A ground check on August 7 found both the ladies' and gents' sections locked. The PMC had cited the pending electricity connection and inauguration as reasons for the delay.

Issue resolution

Khedkar had earlier sought political intervention, writing to Vikrant Patil, BJP MLC and former deputy mayor of Panvel, who had assured him that it would be started soon. An earlier mid-day report had highlighted how NMMT drivers and conductors were being forced to walk to Panvel station to use the restroom.

Official Speak

Devidas Khedkar, NMMT transport wing
‘We are very happy that the toilet has finally been opened for public use. It will be helpful for NMMT staff as well as passengers waiting for buses. Having a toilet facility at the bus stand is a basic necessity, and its availability will certainly make things better'

‘A welcome step'

Sachin Kamble, Adv, Panvel Court
‘The opening of the toilet is a welcome step because sanitation is not a luxury but a basic public necessity. A facility installed for commuters should not remain locked for months over procedural issues. The authorities must now ensure that it is kept clean, maintained properly, and that it remains accessible throughout operating hours. The fact that the issue was highlighted and subsequently resolved also shows that sustained attention to civic problems can bring results'