MAPUSA
The demolition of a public toilet in Mapusa has sparked intrigue and speculation, particularly given the silence of local councillor Priya Mishal.
Investigations by The Goan reveal that the land for the toilet was donated to the Mapusa Municipal Council by Mishal’s ancestors approximately 47 years ago.
Municipal sources disclosed that in 1977, an area of 56 square metres was allocated to the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) for the construction of a public toilet.
This donation occurred during the tenure of Motilal Bandekar as the chairperson of the civic body. The land survey plan and Google Maps confirm the location as a designated public toilet area.
The facility, designed to cater to both men and women with adequate water provisions, had fallen into disrepair over the years. Its deteriorating condition led to reluctance among local residents to use it.
In 2016, following a request from former councillor Tushar Tople, the Mapusa council resolved to repair the toilet.
The engineering section estimated the repair cost at Rs 11 lakh, but the project stalled due to a lack of funds.
Subsequently, a proposal from a reputed oil company offered to undertake the repairs as part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project indefinitely.
The sudden demolition of the toilet last Saturday has fuelled rumours about possible real estate motives behind the action.
Despite knowing the registration numbers of the JCB used in the demolition, Mapusa civic authorities have yet to take any action against those responsible.
Mapusa Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar had stated that the council has requested a report from the technical section, but the chief officer has remained silent on the issue.
The lack of response and the unusual circumstances surrounding the demolition have led to widespread speculation and concern among the local community.
