BMC to build 22,500 toilets

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken a project this year to build 22,500 toilet seats across Mumbai under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. The cost of the project is Rs 700 crores and contractors have been recently appointed for the same.

“The work order will be given soon and the work will be carried out at the civic ward level. The wards will analyse which areas need toilets, especially slum settlements and according to the population, toilet seats will be constructed,” said Ashok Khaire, deputy municipal commissioner, Solid Waste Management.

However, the BMC faces difficulties in building public toilets in areas that fall under the forest department and Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ), which delays project completion. Many slum settlements in Kandivali, Borivali etc. fall under the forest department while slum settlements in areas like Bandra, Worli among others fall under the CRZ.

“Many a times, the forest department does not give permissions for construction. While, for areas falling under CRZ 2 and 3, we acquire permissions from MCZMA which previously had to be taken from the central government. This saves time,” said Mr Khaire.

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar said, “For the Swachh Bharat, toilets must be constructed in all areas where there is open defecation. To accelerate cleanliness projects, the Central government has given relaxation that the state can grant permission for CRZ 2 and 3.”