Panchkula set to get ‘aspirational toilets’ under Swachh mission 2.0

Panchkula: Panchkula is set to get "aspirational toilets" under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 as part of efforts to upgrade public sanitation with modern and inclusive features.According to the municipal corporation, work on two of the four facilities — located in Sector 10 and the dividing road of Sectors 8/9 —has been completed, with minor finishing work under way. These are expected to be ready by March 15 and opened to the public shortly. The remaining two, coming up in Sector 26 and Industrial Area Phase 2, are under construction.
Each facility, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 14 lakh, includes features focused on hygiene, accessibility and sustainability. A separate toilet for divyangs (persons with disabilities) has been provided at each site. The toilets will also have sanitary pad dispensers and disposal units to promote menstrual hygiene.To support power needs, 1-kW solar panels have been installed. Other amenities include shoe-polish panels, two steel seating chairs for visitors and decorative flowerpots.Work began after the MC received funds under the Swachh Bharat programme. Officials said the new facilities are expected to help improve the city's performance in Swachh Survekshan, where Panchkula recorded its lowest-ever ranking in the latest assessment, placed 219th in the 50,000 to 3 lakh population category."The new model of toilets is part of the city's broader effort to improve civic amenities and strengthen its standing in national cleanliness rankings. Once operational, they will provide residents and visitors with clean, modern and safe public conveniences," an MC official said.