Recent surveys conducted in various municipal wards of the city have brought to light the abysmal condition of public toilets intended for women.
Over 35 city-based NGOs across Mumbai have been crusading for the women’s right to pee campaign. Giving in to pressure, the BMC decided to conduct surveys of public toilets in the city.
“A decision was taken to conduct surveys in 10 wards. But, the response from BMC officials has been lukewarm,” said Rahul Gaikwad, a worker with the Committee of Resources Organisation.
Chhaya Sawant of NGO Vacha said the condition of most of the toilets was pathetic. “When we approached the public toilet operators along with the BMC officials, the toilets followed all the norms, but our sting operations revealed otherwise. Most of the toilets we surveyed, between Santa Cruz and Jogeshwari, flouted the norms.”
NGO workers also alleged a nexus between BMC officials and contractors. “BMC officials reportedly get huge payments for turning a blind eye to the contractors’ irregularities,” said a woman worker.
“Once the findings are revealed, we will invite proposals for new toilets after examining the feasibility of construction. We have no problem in building more toilets on a pay-and-use basis,” an official said on the condition of anonymity.
