Karnataka govt to HC: ULB to get 3,081 new public toilets; 1,223 would be e-toilets

BENGALURU, Karnataka: The Government of Karnataka has informed the state High Court that the 310 urban local bodies in the state will get 3,081 new public toilets, 2,725 new public urinals, and 1,223 new public e-toilets at various tourist destinations under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). Nearly, 600 of these public toilets would come up in Bengaluru city.

The construction of public toilet blocks would require ₹37.22 crores, while urinal blocks will cost ₹8.72 crores, and ₹30.58 crores would needed to build e-toilets. An affidavit in this regard has been submitted in the Karnataka High Court by Ajay Nagabhushan M N, Secretary, Department of Urban Development. It further reads that the cost of toilets in Bengaluru city would be ₹9 crore as each toilet unit will cost ₹1.5 lakh.

Government’s submission came during a PIL hearing filed by Letzkit Foundation, Bengaluru, highlighting the issue of insufficient public toilets and maintenance of the existing toilets. The PIL is being heard by a division Bench consisting of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit.

Earlier, during the same hearing, the bench had imposed a cost of ₹5 lakh on the state government for failing to respond to the plea for three years, even on the directives issued by the court. On August 8, High Court directed the state to respond to the PIL within three weeks.

However, the high court recalled their cost submission as the state has now developed a positive action plan for constructing toilets in response to the petition.

The affidavit also states that as per the Census 2011, Karnataka’s urban population is 1,57,84,378, excluding Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which will increase to 2,01,27,666 by 2026 and 5 per cent population (about 10 lakhs) would be floating population. The state has to provide one toilet seat for 250 people. The government also informed that they will take necessary steps for the maintenance and upgradation of the existing toilets.

August 8 order of the court also directed the state to come up with a comprehensive scheme for the construction of toilets/restrooms/privies for women walking on the street. The order also includes the directive to constitute a committee, reads the affidavit.