Is BMC Taking Effective Steps to Enhance Public Sanitation in Mumbai?
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Synopsis
Discover how the BMC is striving to improve public sanitation in Mumbai amid rising concerns. Learn about the current state of facilities and future plans to enhance hygiene and accessibility for residents.
Key Takeaways
- BMC operates 10,684 public toilets in Mumbai.
- Each latrine serves 46 men and 38 women.
- 82% of community toilets have water facilities.
- 14,166 latrines are being constructed under the Swachh Maharashtra Mission.
- A grievance redressal process is established for citizen feedback.
Mumbai, July 15 (NationPress) The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is actively working to enhance public sanitation facilities across the city, as stated by Minister Uday Samant during the state council meeting on Monday.
Member Sunil Shinde highlighted the issue through a calling attention motion in the council.
Minister Samant noted that there are currently 10,684 public toilets operating in Mumbai, providing 159,036 latrines.
When considering the population, there is one latrine available for every 46 men and one for every 38 women.
Out of 1,476 community toilets across 24 municipal wards, 1,221 toilets (or 82 percent) have water facilities, while 1,298 toilets (or 88 percent) are equipped with electricity. Additionally, there are 734 pay-and-use toilets with consistent access to both water and electricity.
“An NGO report has pointed out significant deficiencies in public toilet accessibility and facilities. However, the BMC disputes these claims, asserting a notable discrepancy between reported figures and actual conditions,” the minister explained.
Under the Swachh Maharashtra Mission (Civil) 2.0, 14,166 latrines have been approved for BMC, with 11,166 latrines funded by the Municipal Corporation and 3,000 latrines funded by the Mission. The initial funding for this initiative has been allocated. Furthermore, 500 urinals have also been sanctioned as part of the City Sanitation Plan, according to the minister.
“The Municipal Corporation has established a grievance redressal system to enhance citizen services. Suggestions for improvements will also be considered,” he added.
In a related matter, Minister of State Meghana Sakore-Bordikar informed the council that plentiful drinking water will be provided upon the completion of water supply schemes initiated under the Jal Jeevan Mission to address water scarcity in the Marathwada region. This came in response to a question from member Rajesh Rathod.
Minister Sakore-Bordikar elaborated that a water supply initiative known as ‘Har Ghar Nal, Nal Se Jal’ is underway for every city in the state. The projects are also progressing for the municipalities of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna in Marathwada. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is also advancing the Marathwada Water Grid project to resolve regional water issues. She assured that these schemes would effectively address water shortages.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the proactive measures taken by the BMC to address public sanitation in Mumbai. While some reports indicate shortcomings, the BMC's commitment to expanding facilities suggests a positive trajectory. Continued engagement with citizens is essential for ensuring that these initiatives meet the community's needs.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps is BMC taking to improve sanitation?
BMC is enhancing public sanitation by constructing new latrines and ensuring existing facilities have adequate water and electricity.
How many public toilets are currently in Mumbai?
Mumbai currently has 10,684 public toilets providing a total of 159,036 latrines.
What is the ratio of latrines to the population?
There is one latrine for every 46 men and one for every 38 women in Mumbai.
Are there community toilets in Mumbai?
Yes, there are 1,476 community toilets across 24 wards, with a majority equipped with water and electricity.
What initiatives are in place for drinking water supply?
The Jal Jeevan Mission is implementing a water supply scheme to ensure abundant drinking water in cities including those in Marathwada.
