Mumbai: Will ensure dilapidated Aarey toilet block is revamped, says Shiv Sena leader

The dilapidated six-toilet facility at Unit 30 in Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

After mid-day shed light on a public toilet block in Aarey Milk Colony that had deteriorated severely after being inaugurated by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan eight years ago, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Rahul Kanal, the president of I Love Mumbai Foundation, said he would write to the authorities concerned to restore the public lavatory. I Love Mumbai Foundation and the actor had taken the initiative to set up the facility, which is located at Unit 30 near Film City's back gate, in 2017. One portion of the toilet block has been encroached upon by a family who claims it was appointed to look after the lavatory.

Kanal told mid-day, "Public toilets are needed in Aarey Milk Colony to prevent open defecation, so I Love Mumbai Foundation, along with Salman-bhai, would like to come forward and take efforts to revamp the public toilet at Unit No. 30. I will soon be writing a letter to the Aarey CEO office, BMC ward office and forest department and will request them to provide us with the required NOC [no-objection certificate] and permissions so that we can renovate the toilet."

When mid-day visited the site, a woman named Lalita Rane was seen washing clothes while her aunt, Janki, was sleeping in the women's section of the toilet block, which had been converted into living quarters and a storage space. The section of the toilet block that was not encroached was in an appalling state, lacking basic hygiene, water supply, and even doors. The premises were littered with gutkha packets, alcohol bottles, and cigarette butts. Additionally, the commemorative stone plaque listing details of the inauguration and those involved was missing.