Toilets Worth Rs 36 Lakh In Pune City Soon, AAP Labels Cost “Exorbitant”

Pune, 30th August 2022: 1,200 toilets in Pune city are in the realm of extreme dirt, with toilets constructed from MP funds being closed. Meanwhile, on this backdrop, 15 toilets are going to be built in the city at the price of Rs 36 lakhs.

The administration has no answer as to its cleanliness while the VIP toilets are to be built. To build these toilets, the State Government will have to spend Rs 25 lakhs and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will have to spend Rs 11 lakhs.

The Maharashtra State Government has proposed to construct such VIP toilets at more than a hundred places at tourist sites, and culturally and religiously important cities. 15 of these toilets will be constructed in Pune city. The Municipal Corporation has started the tender process for this. These toilets will have paper napkins, sanitary napkins, vending machines, disposal machines, and shower facilities.

The PMC has prepared a preliminary estimate of Rs 36.28 lakhs to construct five men’s and five women’s toilets. Instead of expensive, flashy toilets, clean and convenient toilets should be set up at close distances. The price of over Rs 36 lakh also seems excessive. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson, Mukund Kirdat, alleged that this cost is almost exorbitant considering the current construction rates.

“VIP toilets will be constructed in the city under the scheme of the State Government, in which a subsidy of Rs 2 lakh will be received for each seat. It will have paper napkins, sanitary napkin vending machines and other facilities. The Municipal Corporation has fixed 15 places for it. After construction of these toilets, attention will be paid to its maintenance,” said Asha Raut, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Department.

“Earlier, 15 expensive e-toilets were constructed at a cost of Rs 2.25 crore, but now they are closed. Now, 15 more toilets will be constructed by spending Rs 36 lakhs each. We have discussed this with women and health organizations. Small toilets should be constructed instead of costly and more seat blocks. There should be toilets at a distance of five hundred meters from crowded places. The existing toilet system should be improved. Only then will the funds be properly utilized,” said Kirdat.