How clean a chit?

Chartered accountant Kerssie N. Wadia, founder of the Association for Revival of Zoroastrianism (ARZ) is the first signatory to a Right to Information (RTI) application made to the Health Department of the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) asking for a copy of the full visit/inspection report made by executive health officer (EHO) Jairaj Thanekar. The EHO had given a ‘clean chit’ to Doongerwadi after visiting its grounds on November 13, 2006 accompanied by trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP).

The RTI appeal, made in the public interest and signed by 38 other Parsi Zoroastrians from all walks of life — working and retired persons, professionals, housewives, students and a priest, ranging in age from 18 to 89 — has asked for clarifications on a number of points. Was the EHO’s visit a casual one or was it an inspection? Under which act of the BMC was it made? Was it a surprise visit or was it made after informing the BPP trustees? Was it pursuant to a complaint made, and if so would the BMC provide a copy of the complaint?

In order that a proper inspection be made, the applicants suggest that BMC officials enter the towers to satisfy themselves that there is no danger of an epidemic. Had the EHO seen the horrendous conditions inside, he would not have given the ‘clean chit’ to the state of affairs there, the applicants maintain. Eminent doctors Farokh Udwadia and Rustom Soonawala have opined that conditions inside the dakhmas can start off an epidemic. Does the BMC appreciate the danger of a backlash against the Parsis by members of other communities if such a calamity should occur? This could become a serious law and order problem for which the BMC and the BPP trustees would be liable for criminal negligence.