BBMP Pushes For Public Access To Toilets In Bengaluru Restaurants

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has submitted a status report to the Karnataka High Court outlining several initiatives to enhance public access to toilets in the city.

Among these measures is the decision to open up the toilets in 172 'Indira Canteen,' originally designated for staff use, for public use. Additionally, the civic body has proposed allowing the general public to use toilets in public restaurants and hotels. The Special Commissioner (Health) and Chief Health Officer (Health) have been instructed to take the necessary steps and issue relevant orders/circulars.

The BBMP is set to invite tenders for the construction of 100 exclusive women's toilets, named 'SHE' toilets. Alternatively, they are considering constructing these toilets independently, allocating a budget of Rs 25.50 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.

The status report, filed by the Chief Engineer of Solid Waste Management at BBMP, follows a High Court directive in response to a public interest litigation. The BBMP has established a committee, comprising the Chief Commissioner, Special Commissioner, and all zonal Commissioners, to oversee the construction and maintenance of public toilets for both the general public and women within the civic body's jurisdiction.

The report also outlines additional measures, including the installation of new E-toilets, maintenance of 229 existing E-toilets, and the identification of locations for constructing toilets in areas with significant floating populations. The BBMP is committed to providing separate toilet blocks for transgender individuals and differently-abled persons in the newly constructed toilets.

Acknowledging these developments on Wednesday, the division bench, led by Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale, adjourned the hearing of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL).