Delhi: DCW sends notice to MCD for directing agencies to clean toilets with acid

Earlier, the commission had called senior officers from the MCD City Zone and asked them to explain why acid was being used to clean toilets. “Officials provided a written reply which states that no guidelines have been issued by MCD to prevent usage of acid for cleaning public toilets. They also informed that the toilets are cleaned (by the agency) as per terms and conditions imposed upon them in the contract agreement by MCD… On perusal of the contract agreement, the Commission has observed… the upkeep of 40 toilet complexes was handed over to the agency. The reply of MCD submitted to the Commission also points to Rule 36 of the Terms and Conditions of the contract agreement (between the MCD and agency) which clearly states that in case acid is not used by the agency to clean the toilets weekly, a penalty of Rs 1,000 per day shall be imposed on the agency by MCD,” the DCW statement said.

The commission has now asked the MCD to provide details of officials responsible for adding the clause and asked whether an FIR under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against them.

The Supreme Court, in 2013, banned over the counter sale of acid in the county because of the rising cases of acid attacks. The imposition of the ban, however, has been lax, with even e-commerce companies selling acid on their websites.

“MCD itself is encouraging the use of acid in its toilets. Hon’ble Supreme Court has issued strong directions against usage, sale and storage of acid. But, instead of preventing the use of acid, MCD is deliberately asking its agencies to use acid for toilet cleaning which is very unfortunate. The terms and conditions of the said agreement should be amended and this clause should be taken back. FIR should be filed against the officials who have been involved in issuing such directions to MCD. Further, MCD should issue strict directions to toilet maintenance agencies to prevent use of acid for cleaning toilets,” said DCW chief Swati Maliwal.