The Delhi High Court has mandated a government-empanelled audit for better hygiene in public toilets, responding to a petition by Jan Sewa Welfare Society. The court emphasized the importance of clean and well-maintained public urinals with water and electricity supply.
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DELHI: On Tuesday, The Delhi High Court, in response to a public interest litigation filed by Jan Sewa Welfare Society, has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) to conduct an audit through a Union Government empaneled third-party auditor. The aim is to ensure the availability of hygienic public urinals equipped with clean water and electricity supply in the city.
The court emphasized the need for accountability, stating-
“MCD, DDA, and NDMC are directed to get an audit done from a central government empanelled third party auditor.”
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This directive comes as a follow-up to the court’s earlier instructions in December, urging MCD and DDA to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and order in public urinals and toilets across the national capital. The court also mandated the appointment of an officer in charge for each toilet to oversee its monitoring.
Addressing concerns raised by the petitioner society, the court highlighted the importance of a functional grievance redressal platform for unhygienic toilets. The bench has sought a response from the authorities regarding the status of this platform, emphasizing its role in addressing complaints related to sanitation standards.
In its earlier directives, the court called for the implementation of a complaint reporting system for public toilets, ensuring that contact numbers displayed are operational. The court stressed the significance of maintaining proper sanitation standards in public conveniences and toilets, considering it a responsibility of civic authorities, namely DDA, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board.
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The ongoing plea emphasizes the need for the authorities to inspect all existing public urinals in Delhi and take steps for the construction of additional public toilets. It underscores the challenges faced by the general public due to the poor maintenance and lack of hygiene in these facilities.
The plea asserts that the current state of public toilets contributes to a “disgusting atmosphere” and poses the risk of infectious diseases, potentially leading to societal hazards. The court has acknowledged these concerns and deemed it essential for the authorities to take immediate action in ensuring proper sanitation standards in public conveniences.
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