Pathetic condition of Airport toilets irk passengers, staff

PS BALI

Jammu, Oct 5: When most of the government agencies in the state swung into action to realize much ambitious ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, the management at Jammu Airport seems indifferent. Here, the condition of some of the public services is worrisome. Complaints of unkempt bathrooms and frequent power fluctuations have come from the passengers as well as Aviation Staff.

It is not for the first time that passengers have pointed out to the poorly maintained bathrooms at the Airport. “The toilets are in pathetic condition. Flush in the toilets does not seem to be working. Similarly, the toilets look like they are not cleaned regularly. The stink was also unbearable. There wasn't even an air freshener," said Dheeraj Sharma, a traveler adding that some cracks on the ceiling tiles inside the bathroom building are also evident.

Aviation official, wishing anonymity complained that the condition of toilets in the Terminal building is as bad as that of railway station. “Despite receiving huge funds for the maintenance of the Airport, the authorities failed to manage one ‘soap dispenser’,” said he adding that instead of soap dispenser, Airport authorities are using empty water bottles for the purpose.

He also complained about the frequent power fluctuations during the prime hours, thus causing embarrassment to the Airport. “The power supply of Airport gets snapped during peak hours, thus plunging entire terminal building into darkness. Recently passengers and Aviation staff have to face excruciating humidity, when somebody switched on blower instead of Air conditioner,” shared Aviation official.

Denying the complaints, officiating Airport Director, RK Singh said that Airport staff works regularly to maintain the cleanliness. “The damage and mess in the toilets is created by the passengers. People travelling from Jammu litter garbage irresponsibly. They have also damaged the soap dispensers,” maintained Singh.

He also said that some damage in the airport is caused by the recent incessant rains and authorities are working on to restore it as soon as possible. “Our engineering team is assessing the damage in the Airport to restore it,” said officiating Airport director.