Delhi High Court pulls up MCD, DDA and NDMC over unsanitary public toilets in Delhi

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday criticised the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) over the unsanitary state of public toilets and conveniences in Delhi [Jan Seva Welfare Society (Reg.) v. Union of India and Ors]..The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the municipal authorities to formulate a plan to address this issue, while dealing with a petition by a non-profit organization called Jan Seva Welfare Society.“We direct that the matter shall be taken up by the MCD, DDA and NDMC at the highest level and a comprehensive plan shall be prepared in respect of their jurisdiction. The plan to be prepared by each of these authorities shall be based on a study to be conducted by experts to ensure toilets remain usable,” the Court directed. The Bench has given two months time to prepare the plan, which is to be placed before the Court by the next hearing of the case. .The petitioner NGO yesterday showed the Court certain photographs which depicted the deplorable state of toilets. The Court took the photographs on record. It proceeded to observe that the municipal authorities have not take proper steps to address the problem, contrary to their claims in a status report submitted before the Court. “It is heartening and unfortunate to note the conditions of the toilet depicted in the photographs enclosed by petitioner. It appears that the condition of the toilets in other areas of Delhi is no better. Given such a state of public utilities in the city, the problem being faced by women gets compounded,” the Court stated. The Court has directed the authorities to take steps to ensure that the toilets shown in the photographs function properly. .The Court added that the municipal authorities have exhibited complete dereliction of duty, apathy and insensitivity. “Municipal authorities and development bodies like MCD and DDA and NDMC have exhibited complete dereliction of duty in respect of maintaining these public conveniences,” the Chief Justice said. It was also noted that the authorities cannot be repeatedly reminded that they have a responsibility to provide appropriate public conveniences.The Court also made some caustic remarks on the laxity displayed by the authorities when it came to the maintenance of public toilets. “If this kind of toilet is provided to officers, see what magic will happen. They will be brand new. Even Americans will feel shy,” said Justice Gedela.Earlier this year, the MCD had submitted that it has launched an app for receiving complaints to address grievances relating to public toilets.