PANAJI: Though the state is set to get state-of-the-art child care home with renovation work of Apna Ghar nearing completion, it still lacks adequate water storage facility, there is frequent power outage and road leading to the home is in bad condition.
The present sump capacity of 20 thousand litres is insufficient to cater to the inmates and staff. Most of the time, they rely on water tanker and often have to purchase water canister for drinking.
This has resulted in inmates skipping shower thereby compromising on their hygiene. There is a need to increase the water storage capacity to at least 50 thousand litres and a proposal in this regard has already been sent to the PWD.
The rules provide that while in custody, juveniles should be ensured of care and attention and provisions of amenities as are necessary for their proper upkeep and upbringing.
Presently, six sections are functioning in Apna Ghar premises including administration section, matron section, juvenile justice boards and child welfare committees of both the districts. In addition to juvenile correction center, women rescued from sex trade have been also shifted recently which has meant that there is additional requirement of water supply and other amenities.
The Apna Ghar also suffers from frequent power outages due to short circuit in the old and corroded main electrical panel, which was damaged allegedly by the GSIDC contractor while executing the renovation.
The road leading to Apna Ghar is badly damaged. The street lights are also not functioning properly making it accident-prone particularly during night.
Though cars and two-wheelers of officials traversed this stretch every day, no step has been taken to repair it. The pedestrians are forced to walk on the edge owing to vehicles attempting to avoid the craters.
An official of Apna Ghar said that wide craters had formed on the road. “If there is rainfall and water floods the potholes, then motorists will be at risk of falling down,” the official said.
