Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The city continues to face a shortage of public toilets. Despite the municipal corporation constructing more than 10 well-equipped toilet facilities with government funds, they have remained unused for the past one-and-a-half years. On Tuesday, additional commissioner Kalpita Pimpale held a review meeting and directed concerned officials to submit a report on the hurdles preventing these facilities from becoming operational. Notably, a toilet constructed at the entrance of the municipal headquarters has also become controversial.
The city has a population of nearly 1.8 million, and ideally, there should be at least one public toilet every kilometre in public areas. Every year, under the Swachh Bharat Mission, central government teams assess municipal corporations on public toilet facilities, and the city loses marks due to inadequate numbers. Around two years ago, funds were sanctioned for building toilets, and over Rs 2.5 crore was spent to construct facilities at 10 locations. However, officials failed to plan essential aspects such as water supply, electricity connections, and drainage linkage. As a result, only the structures were built, and they remain locked and unused.
During the meeting, Pimpale reviewed how many public toilets are currently functional in the city and directed officials to submit a detailed report on the issues delaying the opening of the new facilities. Deputy commissioner Nandkishor Bhombe, executive engineer Anil Tanpure, deputy engineer Pooja Bhoge, along with ward officers and engineers, were present at the meeting.
One toilet sparks controversy
A public toilet has been constructed right at the entrance of the municipal headquarters. The project had faced opposition from the media during its construction, but the administration went ahead regardless. Now, corporators and officials themselves are questioning why such a facility was built at that location. Some officials are reportedly of the view that the structure, built at a cost of Rs 25 lakh, should be demolished.