India, Nov. 29 -- In a strong message to all 251 depot heads across Maharashtra, state transport minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) chairman Pratap Sarnaik suspended the manager of Solapur state transport (ST) stand/depot after finding appallingly unhygienic conditions during a surprise inspection on Friday. The inspection revealed grave lapses in the maintenance of basic amenities, including public toilets and drinking water facilities used by thousands of passengers on a daily basis.

An inspection of toilets revealed broken tiles, foul odour, accumulated dirt, and abject neglect by the private agency appointed for their upkeep. The drinking water facilities were equally appalling: of the five taps install...