Mumbai: Two years of silence broken after Mid-Day flags shut Aarey Colony loos

The lavatory at Unit 7 in Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East

Taking serious note of mid-day's recent report that exposed how two 70-seater public toilets in Aarey Milk Colony remain non-functional two years after their inauguration, officials from the BMC's P South Ward visited the sites to inspect the water and electricity connections.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Shakha Pramukh Sandeep Gadhave told mid-day, "On Thursday, officials from the P South Ward visited the 70-seater toilets at Units 7 and 31. As per my information, they are now working on providing water and electricity connections so the facilities can finally be opened to the public."

The 70-toilet block at Unit 31, which was inaugurated by BJP MLA Ameet Satam almost two years ago. Pics/Nimesh Dave

mid-day had published a report on July 17 titled ‘Two years on, two 70-loo blocks in Aarey still locked' which highlighted how residents in the slum pockets and tribal hamlets of Aarey Milk Colony continue to risk leopard encounters while relieving themselves in the open, despite the construction of two large public toilets in 2023. The toilets remain closed due to the absence of basic utilities.

The report also noted that locals had been informed that electricity and water supply to the facilities were still pending, raising concerns over why the toilets were inaugurated in the first place. Following this, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sandeep Gadhave wrote to the P South Ward's assistant municipal commissioner seeking clarification.
On Wednesday and Friday, mid-day attempted to contact Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ajay Patane for a comment. However, despite repeated calls and messages, there was no response till press time.

A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged, "Ward Officer Ajay Patane needs to address the issues in the P South Ward, but most of the time he turns a blind eye to complaints and shows little interest in resolving the problems faced by residents."

On June 18, 2023, BJP Mumbai President and three-time MLA Ashish Shelar inaugurated the Unit 7 facility. However, even after two years, it remains inaccessible to the public.