17
In the first place these barracks were only intended for 77 men but are now
occupied by 108 men, the consequence being that some of them are much over-
crowded. In No. 1 barrack which is opposite the Safa Musjid and Arsenal
the beds were much too close, there being in one instance only 15 inches, in
another 16 inches between adjoining beds. The windows do not come down to
the floor, the doors are not louvered, and the urinal and ablution rooms are placed
on the west and obstruct the breeze, and the plinth is not high enough. No. 2
barrack room is altogether better, is well raised and has sufficient ventilation and
space. The building originally intended for a hospital is now used as a barrack
room and answers the purpose, but I am informed that there is now no hospital
in the Fort for the use of the detachment and no medical assistance beyond an
assistant apothecary. It is in my opinion desirable that considering the large
European population in the Fort there should be a medical officer stationed
here, as in cases of serious illness much valuable time would be lost in sending
to camp for one.
67. The two cells are of old pattern and are not in my opinion fit for the
incarceration of European prisoners at all events not until the walls have been
pierced, the ceilings removed, and thorough ventilation provided.
68. In the quarter guard the room called the dry room where prisoners are
temporarily confined requires ventilation. It can easily be made by piercing
the wall.
69. The married men's quarters have been made in an old Jain temple;
There is a great want of ventilation in the rooms on the ground floor, but the
upper story is supposed to be haunted, and is not used if it can be possibly
avoided. The noises complained of at night are probably caused by bats and
other night birds, and it is thought if wire gauze screens were fixed across the
windows the entrance of these creatures would be prevented.
70. The two public latrines in the Fort are situated in rear of the barracks.
They were not clean, and the ground in the neighbourhood was covered with rank
vegetation.
71. There are 49 wells in the Fort some of which are used for drinking
water. The best water is said to be procured from the well inside the arsenal,
but it is not available for public use but outside close to the - Safa Musjid which
was built by Asad Khan but which has been closed since the mutiny is the well
from which the water for the troops is drawn by the usual leather buckets.
The ground all round it was fouled and was covered with refuse. The well
should be covered and a force pump might be fitted and a U shaped drain should.
be made to carry away the wastage water into the road side paved gutters.
72. During the rains the ground towards the South-East becomes flooded,
and the quarters occupied by the warrant officers of the Ordnance Department
were I was told inundated last year. More water way should be provided and a
main outlet drain should be led if necessary through. the ditch on to the low
lying ground beyond.
73. The wet ditch is not healthy, and there was a good deal of scum
observed on the surface of the water, stable filth had evidently been thrown into
it. The water in it is utilized for irrigating the rice fields below, and heavy
compensation would be claimed if it was cut off, as a higher rate of assessment
has been paid on account of its use but it, as long as this arrangement is allowed
to continue, should be scrupulously kept clean.