HC slams BMC for not constructing toilets in Santacruz's Kalina slum area

The High Court has slammed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its "uncooperative and insensitive" approach to building additional toilets in the Kalina slum area of Santacruz.

A bench of Justices MS Sonak and Kamal Khata had on October 4 directed the BMC to construct a temporary toilet block in the area. Also, the High Court had given this direction while hearing the petition filed by the residents of the place. The petition states that the area, which is home to approximately 1,600 people, currently has only ten toilet blocks.

Six of these are for men and four for women which is causing inconvenience to the residents. The bench described the situation mentioned in the petition as "very unfortunate".

Last year, the BMC had informed the court that it would construct additional toilets there. But the construction was delayed due to the need for No Objection Certificate (NOC) from MHADA, as it is part of the land owned by MHADA. However, MHADA clarified that it had approved the NOC in 2023 itself.

The court expressed displeasure over the misleading statements of the municipal corporation of waiting for the approval of MHADA. In this, it was seen that instead of working, the municipal corporation is giving false reasons without fulfilling its responsibility properly.

The judge remarked that the civic body’s approach was "very uncooperative and insensitive" and that it had deliberately tried to evade duty. The BMC is considered to be the richest in the country. Therefore, there cannot be an alternative reason that the statute is falling short," the High Court said.

Criticising the municipal officials present in the court, the bench noted that they are more interested in identifying problems than finding solutions. The court also directed the BMC commissioner to ensure that the temporary toilet blocks are installed within 15 days. Also, the High Court has directed the construction of a new ground-plus-one structure. Also, the case will be heard on November 14. By then, the BMC must submit a progress report. Also sufficient toilets for both men and women should be constructed and completed within three months.