Deplorable Condition of Public Toilet Near Gundecha School/Ambedkar Garden

URGENT ACTION REQUIRED: Deplorable Condition of Public Toilet Near Gundecha School/Ambedkar Garden, BMC R North Ward, Mumbai 400068

28 April 2025

I am writing with extreme urgency and disgust to report the absolutely abhorrent state of the public toilet facility situated near Gundecha School, just outside Ambedkar Garden. The conditions are not merely unsanitary; they are a severe public health hazard that demands immediate intervention by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

This toilet block is a squalid pit of filth. It is appallingly dirty, with urine overflowing onto the floor, creating a toxic and bacteria-ridden environment. Plastic waste and other garbage are strewn throughout the toilets and the passage, compounding the filth and emitting a horrific stench that permeates the surrounding area.

Compounding this gross negligence is the complete absence of any water provision. This renders the toilets unusable for their intended purpose, forcing people to resort to urinating on the exterior walls. This further exacerbates the unsanitary conditions and contributes to the breeding of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Furthermore, the structural integrity of the facility is compromised, with a broken wall indicating potential encroachment and further neglect.

This is not simply a matter of unpleasantness; it is a critical public health issue. This festering environment is a breeding ground for bacteria and mosquitoes, posing a significant risk of disease transmission to the public, including schoolchildren and visitors to Ambedkar Garden.

I demand the immediate attention of the BMC to this utterly unacceptable situation. Swift action must be taken to:

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect the entire toilet block.

• Restore a reliable water supply, including the installation of an overhead tank if necessary.

• Implement regular and rigorous cleaning and maintenance protocols.

• Repair the broken wall and address any encroachment issues.

• Conduct pest control measures to eliminate the existing health hazards.

The continued neglect of this public facility is a blatant disregard for public health and sanitation standards. I expect immediate and decisive action from the BMC to rectify this appalling situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Implement Sustainable Maintenance for Public Toilet Near Gundecha School/Ambedkar Garden

In addition to the urgent remediation measures outlined previously, I strongly urge the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to adopt a long-term solution for the upkeep of the public toilet facility near Gundecha School and Ambedkar Garden. The current state of utter neglect underscores the need for a dedicated and accountable entity responsible for its continuous maintenance.

Therefore, I propose that the BMC immediately initiate the process of appointing a contractor or operator to maintain this toilet block on a regular basis, similar to the successful models implemented for other public conveniences across Mumbai.

This arrangement should involve a contractual agreement that clearly outlines the responsibilities of the appointed entity, including but not limited to:

• Regular and thorough cleaning: This must include the cleaning of toilets, floors, walls, and surrounding areas multiple times daily, adhering to stringent hygiene standards.

• Waste management: The contractor should be responsible for the regular collection and disposal of all waste, ensuring that the facility remains free of litter.

• Water supply maintenance: Ensuring a consistent and adequate water supply is crucial. The contractor should be responsible for the upkeep of the water storage and distribution system.

• Minor repairs and upkeep: Addressing minor repairs promptly, such as fixing leaks, replacing broken fixtures, and ensuring the overall functionality of the facility.

• Pest control: Implementing measures to prevent and eliminate pests like mosquitoes and rodents.

• Security and supervision: Providing a presence to deter vandalism and misuse of the facility.

A reasonable user fee can be levied for the use of the toilet to ensure the financial sustainability of this maintenance model. This practice is already prevalent in many well-maintained public toilets in Mumbai and has proven effective in ensuring their cleanliness and upkeep.

Appointing a dedicated contractor with clear responsibilities and a revenue model will ensure that the deplorable conditions currently plaguing this toilet facility become a thing of the past. This proactive approach will not only restore basic sanitation for the community but also prevent the recurrence of such hazardous and unhygienic situations.

I implore the BMC to recognize the urgent need for this sustainable solution and take swift action to implement it. The health and well-being of the public depend on it.

Video link of the actual ground situation

https://youtu.be/ExA9wCbFgjQ