BMC Sets 3-Month Deadline for Public Toilet Upgrades

Mumbai: BMC has given operators of pay-and-use public toilets in Mumbai three months to upgrade facilities, warning that contracts could be suspended or terminated if standards are not improved within the stipulated period.

The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by BMC leader of the house Ganesh Khankar on Saturday. The meeting was convened to assess the condition of public toilets operated by private agencies and NGOs across North Mumbai. Civic officials said inspections found deficiencies in cleanliness, maintenance and basic amenities at several facilities. Operators have now been directed to replace damaged commodes and fittings, repair broken doors and windows, fix damaged tiles and cladding, undertake painting and beautification works, and improve overall upkeep standards.

The BMC has also made it mandatory for all public toilets to introduce a citizen feedback system, maintain hourly cleaning logs, conduct at least one deep-cleaning drive every week and install an IoT-based odour monitoring system called “Gandhavedh” to help control foul smells.

Officials said assistant commissioners of the concerned wards have been instructed to issue notices to all operators and closely monitor compliance. Agencies that fail to carry out the prescribed improvements within three months could face suspension or cancellation of their contracts, with alternative operators being appointed in their place.