Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Dhobhighat gets viewing gallery for tourists

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 5 (ANI): The open-air laundromat or Dhobhighat located next to Mahalaxmi station in Mumbai has now got a new viewing gallery for tourists.
The place is a well-known tourist spot as it attracts a large number of people throughout the year, not only because of its uniqueness but also because it entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 as it has the most number of washers who work in the open. 
The feat was achieved on March 8, 2011, and since then, there has been an increase in the footfall of tourists arriving here.
However, the regular washers, who are also known as “dhobis” have a different story to share.
According to them, the gallery will beautify the location but it does not provide them with any financial aid or even basic amenities such as light, water and, cleanliness. They were, however, quick to say that civic authorities are usually helpful in cleaning and providing facilities.
The place often witnesses electricity, water and cleanliness issues. Therefore, in an overall sense, the washers are happy with the addition of a viewing gallery but expect some kind of help at the ground level and provision of a few basic amenities.
While speaking to ANI, one of the washers named Badri Prasad, said: "I am working here for the past 40 years, we often do not get water here for a long time. Washers here only need water."
Another employee said there will be no benefit to washers with this new gallery. He said: "There is no benefit to us, yesterday we were cooking and the cement for the new gallery preparation fell on us. Clearly, there are no facilities for us."
Similar remarks were echoed by Rajendra Kumar Kanaujia, another washer at the Dhobi Ghat. "I have been working here for the past 12 years. Gallery is, of course, a good move, we will also get some 'fame' by this. People will get to know us, but we should get basic facilities here, such as light. Light is a major issue here."
Tourists are often seen looking for various spots to take photographs and the most preferred location is Mahalaxmi station or the nearby bridge. However, the practice is a hindrance to regular local commuters who use this route for their daily travel.  (ANI)