"Plight of national capital”

The condition of public toilets in Delhi ,is atrocious.

Locked and broken doors, dry taps, cigarette butts and empty liquor bottles welcome the innocent public with horrid stench. Public conveniences causing inconvenience to the public. The females are the worst affected in view of large foot fall and migrant population.

This could be unarguably attributed to criminal neglect of civic services by the local body ( Municipal corporation of Delhi).

Reasons are not far to seek. Lack of accountability and supervision.

Why responsibility is not being fixed on the delinquent officials? What impression is being carried by the foreigners visiting the national capital, one wonders?

Will the government of NCT, Delhi order an inquiry into the lapses and bring the laidback MCD officials to book?

Delhi is not alone. The neglect of public assets in urban areas,is rampant across the country including States capitals. The local bodies have persistently failed in discharging their mandated functions.

To overcome this crisis, I have a suggestion for the consideration of the central government.

Could the Central and States public sector undertakings not take the initiative in maintaining  public assets like public toilets, parks etc as a corporate social responsibility?

Let a beginning be made from Delhi and States capitals  particularly those having vast tourism potential and large foot fall due to migrant population.

A K Saxena (Former civil servant)