Why is BMC proposing a hike in public toilet charges? Here are charges that Mumbaikars can face
The proposal has been submitted to civic group leaders and comes amid concerns from operators of the city’s 846 public pay-and-use toilet complexes over the rising cost of maintaining these facilities.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering raising charges for using public toilets in Mumbai, currently free. The proposal includes a ₹1 fee for urinals, a hike from ₹2 to ₹5 for washrooms, and a rise from ₹5 to ₹10 for bathing facilities. This move comes as private agencies and NGOs, who manage the city's 846 public pay-and-use toilet complexes, struggle with mounting maintenance costs.
The BMC claims the new rates would help operators cover their growing expenses, with the surplus revenue staying with the facility managers. However, critics argue that the proposed charges could make sanitation facilities less affordable, particularly for economically weaker sections of society. Sitaram Shelar, convenor of the citizens' collective Pani Haq Samiti, emphasized that providing access to sanitation is a fundamental municipal responsibility.
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