Aarey Colony’s lack of proper toilets is alarming

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

While residents of Aarey Milk Colony have been constantly demanding public toilets due to concerns about encountering leopards while relieving themselves in the open, two 70-toilet public lavatories that were inaugurated in 2023 have not been opened to the public. Locals claim they were told that electricity and water are yet to be supplied to the buildings, which are situated in Unit 7 and 31.

Leaders are claiming the civic authorities are not following up post inauguration, and anti-social elements are not allowing the lavatories to start functioning.

This is a shocking scenario where the party at the helm is unable to get the toilet blocks to function despite its leaders having inaugurated the facilities. Unfortunately, it is one example of several such projects that remain in abeyance for various reasons. Some are as inane as not finding the correct person to inaugurate the facility. Others are opened amid great fanfare but remain non-functional. The red tape is so much that the project remains snared with no way out.

Here, these facilities must start functioning as people's lives are endangered, as they step out to relieve themselves. It should be unacceptable that people need to be wary of being attacked by an animal for a basic human need/function.

It is unfathomable why every agency/stakeholder cannot sit together and sort out the problem of water and electricity supply. Anti-social elements cannot be allowed to go against the authorities. This means are in leadership positions are, essentially, powerless. This is a disheartening and disgraceful commentary on our systems. The public has waited enough, and quite rightly, feels bitter and resentful about being denied what is rightfully theirs.