Ahmedabad Anganwadis Under Scanner: Defunct RO Systems, Poor Hygiene Raise Child Safety Concerns
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Thousands of children attending anganwadis across Ahmedabad may be at risk due to poor drinking water infrastructure, with most RO water purification systems lying non-functional and water tanks yet to be cleaned despite the onset of the monsoon.
The issue surfaced during a review of civic-run anganwadis, where concerns were raised over the lack of maintenance of drinking water facilities and hygiene standards.
Key Highlights
- Ahmedabad has 2,128 anganwadis, along with four mobile anganwadis and one anganwadi inside a jail.
- Most RO water purifiers installed in these centres have remained non-functional for years.
- The machines were supplied by the state government in 2017-18 with a three-year maintenance contract, which expired during 2020-21.
- No servicing or maintenance has reportedly been carried out over the past five years.
- Water storage tanks have also not been cleaned even after the start of the monsoon, raising fears of water-borne diseases among children.
Fresh Proposal for New RO Systems
Women and Child Development Committee Chairperson Dimple Varindani said new anganwadis are being equipped with RO systems through CSR initiatives.
She added that officials have been directed to prepare a list of centres with non-functional RO units so a fresh proposal can be prepared to install new machines under CSR funding.
The committee has also instructed officials to ensure that all anganwadi water tanks are cleaned within the next 15 days and submit a checklist mentioning the date when each tank was last cleaned.
CCTV, Behavioural Improvements Ordered
The committee also took note of complaints alleging rude behaviour by some anganwadi helpers towards parents.
Officials have been instructed to improve staff conduct, while CCTV cameras have been proposed for AMC-owned anganwadis to improve monitoring and ensure accountability.
Majority of Centres Run From Rented Buildings
Of the city's 2,128 anganwadis:
- 671 operate from AMC-owned buildings.
- 166 function from Urban Health Centres.
- 1,291 run from rented premises.
The committee noted that many rented facilities suffer from poor sanitation and has directed officials to improve cleanliness at these centres.
