Kozhikode: The municipal corporation and the district collector received sharp criticism from the Kerala State Human Rights Commission which came down heavily on both for shortage of toilets in the city limits including the civil station which has more than 3000 employees.
Panel judicial member P. Mohanadas ordered on Wednesday that the funds for constructing toilets should be sanctioned in the current financial year itself. The order came in sequel to a complaint filed by A.C. Francis, a native of Karaparamba, here.
The commission also ordered the corporation to inspect the available toilets including those in private institutions and firms to ensure quality as well as sanitation standards. Health officials of the corporation should be assigned for the purpose. The Commission also ordered the corporation authorities to complete the maintenance works of toilets in the civil station where more than 3,000 employees are serving.
In the complaint, Mr Francis had pointed out that almost all the toilets are dirty and in a dilapidated condition. Among the employees majority are women, the complainant pointed out.
The panel also criticised the lapses of the corporation secretary who failed to submit a report properly. “When the commission demanded a report on the serious issue, instead of corporation secretary, it was the health inspector who submitted the report”, the commission said.
When directed the district collector to submit a report, the collector also failed to submit one, the panel said.
Though the health inspector vaguely referred in the report that 86 toilets would be constructed, he failed to give details of the spots identified for toilets. P Mohanadas also directed the district collector and corporation secretary to submit a report within three months after executing the order.
However the corporation authorities are struggling to justify the lapses on their part. Mayor Thottathil Raveendran evaded questions on the issue saying that he was away from the city. Corporation standing committee chairperson health K.V. Baburaj told DC that hectic moves are afoot to construct more toilets in the city premises.
“We have identified land for constructing sufficient number of toilets. But the spot were not revealed as many procedures are yet to be completed before taking over the land,” he added.
