Pune’s public toilets are 100% clean, says Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 survey. Here’s the real picture

As Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) basks in the glory of its 8th rank in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 for cities with over 10 lakh population, citizens have highlighted a significant gap between the survey's findings and the on-ground reality.Though the Swachh Survekshan report showed PMC scoring a perfect 100% in terms of cleanliness in public toilets, their users, particularly those residing in the slum areas, paint a different picture, describing the state of these facilities as far from satisfactory.And what's more, PMC's track record of poorly maintained toilets hasn't stopped it from planning five ‘Smart Toilets' in Balewadi, Wagholi on Nagar Road, Katraj Chowk, Shewalewadi Bus Depot and the Pune Railway Station, a decision that seems to defy common sense, citizens said.Parveen Tambe, founding member of NIBM Residents' Forum, faulted the PMC's plan to spend lakhs of rupees on new ‘smart' toilets, calling it a misplaced priority. "Why invest in fancy toilets when basic facilities aren't functioning? Public toilets are dirty, lack water and are ill-maintained. Instead of wasting taxpayer money on new constructions, PMC should focus on maintaining existing toilets that have already been built with public funds," Tambe said.Bavdhan resident Manish Deo recently visited the public toilets near Kalewadi in Kothrud and was appalled by the conditions. "Of 18 toilets, none met basic standards," he said. "Doors were missing, pipes broken and tiles damaged. We reported these issues through the PMC app, but the tickets were closed without any resolution," Deo added, while emphasising that those living in the Kalewadi slum relied on these toilets, but found them unsafe and unusable.Deo pointed out the irony of investing in high-end toilets while neglecting basic maintenance. "We have an e-toilet in Bavdhan that cost lakhs of rupees, and after a long struggle to get it operational, it was functional for just three months before being shut down again. What's the use of building fancy toilets with unnecessary facilities when basic needs like water, cleanliness and safety are ignored?" he said.Meenal Patel, a social worker, told TOI, "Using public toilets is almost impossible. The stench is overpowering, even if you are walking in the vicinity of a toilet. Inside, there's no water, electricity and it's filthy. I am often stressed about going on a long journey."Sole source of sanitation for a section of peopleFor slumdwellers, public toilets are often the only available sanitation option. When these facilities are unhygienic or unsafe, it can lead to open defecation and urination, posing serious health risks to those living nearby.Tejasvini Dagade, a sanitation worker residing in Janta Vasahat near Senapati Bapat Road, highlighted the struggles she faces daily. "The public toilets in my area lack basic amenities, such as doors, lighting and even water. The broken chambers make nighttime visits unsafe. Additionally, improper disposal of sanitary napkins leads to unhygienic conditions. Many women are unaware of proper disposal methods, worsening the situation. Unfortunately, this is the reality not just in my neighbourhood but also in the areas where I work," she added. Smart idea, but should not be a priorityNot all citizens are opposed to the idea of a ‘smart toilet'. Mayuresh Joshi, a resident of Sahakarnagar and a writer-director, is one among them, but he questions the timing of the initiative. "Smart toilets may seem like a good idea, but the current state of public toilets can't be ignored. When people are stuck in traffic, their priority is a clean and functional toilet, not WiFi. Instead of investing in new technology, the civic body should allocate funds to hire staff to maintain cleanliness and safety at these facilities," Joshi said, while acknowledging the potential benefits of features like charging points.Cleanliness onus on residents tooAmit, a technology developer who has called Pune home since 2003, laments the dwindling number of public toilets in the city."When I first moved here, public toilets were plentiful, and I never had to think twice about finding one. However, over the years, I've noticed a significant decline in their numbers and this is a big cause for concern," he said.He shared a recent experience where a friend needed to use the restroom on FC Road, only to find the women's toilet shut. "We had to take matters into our own hands and find a solution. I requested a few men to stand guard at the men's washroom entrance so my friend could use it safely," he said, acknowledging that this was not a feasible solution for everyone and highlighted the need for more public toilets.Amit also emphasized the importance of citizens taking responsibility for maintaining these facilities and said, "While the civic body is responsible for upkeep, we must do our part in using these toilets responsibly and keeping them clean."Official SaysThe upcoming ‘smart toilets' will have various features like separate booths for men, women and transgender individuals, ramps for senior citizens and differently-abled persons, WiFi connectivity, charging stations, and solar power. The first of these toilets will be built in Baner, followed by other high-footfall areas. As far as the upkeep of existing toilets is concerned, a comprehensive plan is being developed to enhance cleanliness and will be finalised soon. While we have already hired staff to clean the toilets, some challenges persist. Our biggest one is the theft of sanitary fixtures; the second is the improper use of the facilities itself. A shift in citizens' mindset is necessary to ensure the proper use and maintenance of public toilets — Sandip Kadam | Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, Pune Municipal Corporation