The Delhi Commission for Women on Wednesday issued notices to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and the three municipal corporations of Delhi, demanding a list of all the public toilets that are not functional.
The DCW said that during one of her visits to Chandanhulla village in Chhatarpur Assembly constituency, chairperson Swati Maliwal was informed by the residents of Ambedkar Colony that the toilet complex in their area had not been functional since it was constructed.
The commission has demanded a detailed report on the reason behind these toilet complexes being shut despite being ready for use.
Interim management
DCW said that it had sent a notice to the DUSIB in the past as well.
However, in its reply, the Board had said that the toilets were not operational due to non-availability of NGOs or other agencies to maintain and mange these complexes.
A statement issued by the commission read, “The DCW even asked the DUSIB why it did not operate the complexes itself. It was after the intervention of the commission that an interim management had been made by deploying attendants temporarily.”
Alleging inaction on the DUSIB’s part, Ms. Maliwal said: “The government has made new toilets so that the people of Delhi do not need to resort to open defecation. However, due to the negligence on the part of the DUSIB and the municipal corporations, people are unable to avail these facilities.”
