JOIN USThe Delhi government’s Social Welfare Department has written to Delhi Jal Board to regularise the supply of water tankers at Bindapur where it runs an old age home.
The department has found that there is irregular drinking water supply at the Bindapur old age home.
The review comes after Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal seved a notice to the department last week after paying a surprise visit at the home. Among the other shortcomings highlighted, the Commission had pointed out that there is no drinking water connection at the home and no provisions for water coolers.
Reviews situation
“The overall water supply in Bindapur area is irregular and the inmates rely on water tankers. However, after thoroughly reviewing the situation, we found that even the supply of water tankers is erratic. We have already written to the DJB on the issue,” said a senior official, Social Welfare Department.
“We are going to actively pursue the matter. We are aware that written communication alone will not be enough. The department has held meetings with DJB officials to sort out the issue on a priority basis,” said the official.
While improving the water supply at Bindapur is a part of the long-term plan, the department is only seeking immediate solution now to resolve the problem.
Lack of basic amenities
The inmates of the Bindapur old age home have complained of poor water supply and tha lack of basic amenities like water coolers in the summers when the DCW chief visited the home.
Though the old age home has been facing the problem for years now, the department had not taken up the matter with the DJB earlier. The lack of coordination with DJB is a reason why inmates have been suffering for long now, said officials.
The old age home has 76 inmates against a sanctioned strength of 50.
Though the home has several inmates suffering from mental health problems, there are no counsellors or round-the-clock doctors and is reeling under acute staff shortage.
“The problem highlighted is not new. The ground staff have repeatedly communicated the limitations under which the old age home is being run,” said a staff at the home.