The historic Bhuleshwar market, renowned for its vibrant activity and dense crowds, is grappling with a severe sanitation crisis. This marketplace, particularly crowded during festivals, is facing an acute problem due to a significant encroachment affecting its vital drainage infrastructure.
The only public toilet serving this busy locale, managed by a private NGO under a BMC Swachh Public Toilet scheme, has been increasingly rendered ineffective. This facility, which has been operational for 25 years, is critical for the area’s sanitation, yet it is now overwhelmed by waste management issues linked to a nearby encroachment. The encroachment, situated at Bhuleshwar Market’s Bhoiwada 2nd Lane, involves the illegal occupation of a house gully that was originally designated as a crucial drainage channel. Encroachers have obstructed the gutter, covering it with tiles and converting it into an unauthorized storage space.
This has led to a dangerous accumulation of sewage and waste, significantly affecting public health. On February 13, 2023, the C Ward issued a demolition order for the encroached structure, stipulating that action be taken within 15 days. However, over a year has passed without any substantial progress. Despite repeated engagements with BMC officials, the problem persists, with recent reports indicating that an inquiry is still ongoing but achieving little. A representative from the NGO expressed profound frustration with the lack of progress, stating, “We have repeatedly contacted BMC officials, yet the promised action remains elusive. The encroachment not only obstructs drainage but has transformed a crucial space into a storage facility. The BMC’s delay and lack of decisive action, potentially influenced by political interference, exacerbate the situation.”
The NGO also suspects corruption may be hindering the resolution of this issue. Shopkeepers and local residents are now calling for immediate intervention, emphasising the urgent need for effective governance and action to address the sanitation crisis and remove the encroaching structure. The continued delay in addressing this issue highlights broader concerns about governance and the effectiveness of municipal administration in managing and maintaining public infrastructure.
