The present condition of the toilet facility abutting the Congress Bhavan building in Dehradun is now being likened by some to the changing fortunes of the party in Uttarakhand. The public toilet which has elicited controversy since it was constructed, now presents a picture of neglect with faucets and some fixtures having been stolen or damaged.
For some years now, the mismanaged condition of Congress Bhavan in Dehradun has been causing inconvenience to party members, mediapersons and citizens due to inadequate parking space and absence of proper toilet facility.
Though a toilet had been attached in the past to the office of the PCC chief, the other persons visiting Congress Bhavan used to relieve themselves at an open corner abutting Congress Bhavan in the absence of a proper toilet.
This stinking spot caused problems for the public for years before a toilet facility was constructed last year at the spot. However, this construction elicited protest and complaints accusing Congress of misusing power by encroaching upon a roadside sewer and public space causing traffic congestion.
While the municipal commissioner had directed an inquiry into the allegations, some expressed relief at the much needed toilet facility being finally made available while others demanded its demolition blaming it for traffic congestion on the Nashville Road. In the recent past, someone stole faucets and other fixtures from the toilet while a standing wash basin detached from the floor could be conveniently stolen soon. The facility on the whole has deteriorated considerably with drain clogged and items vandalised.
A party worker opined, "First we awaited a proper toilet facility in Congress Bhavan for years. When the much needed facility was finally built last year the expected convenience didn't last long.
“The vandalised and neglected facility now stenches just like the spot used to before construction of the toilet. The party leaders need to spruce up things in the Congress Bhavan which have been neglected for long," added the Congress worker.