Mumbai: BMC Assessment Finds 173 Of 837 Pay-And-Use Toilets Graded D, Only 8 Secure Top Grade A

Mumbai's public sanitation system received a low grade from the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) assessment, with 173 out of 837 examined pay-and-use toilets receiving the lowest Grade D. Only eight toilets achieved the top Grade A rating. The Quality Council of India (QCI), chosen by the MCGM for the assessment, examined five factors: civil infrastructure, electrical and plumbing systems, cleanliness and drainage, accessibility, and basic amenities.

Of the 566 Grade B facilities, 90 were placed in Grade C. The inspection of 896 identified toilets is ongoing. Inspectors noted issues like damaged structures, plumbing and electrical faults, drainage issues, privacy concerns, and a lack of essential amenities. Accessibility for children and people with disabilities is also being checked.

Following initial assessments in North Mumbai, the MCGM notified operators to make necessary improvements within three months. The civic body plans to upgrade poorly rated toilets, standardize designs and maintenance, and identify sites that can be improved. A digital monitoring system via the ToiletSeva app and CSR partnerships under Participate Mumbai are part of the broader sanitation program.

Activist Vinod Gholap urged the MCGM to go beyond audits and enforce upgrades, ensuring every Mumbaikar has access to hygienic, functional toilets. The MCGM's proposed Pay-and-Use Policy 2026 might raise user charges, with women's urinals increasing from Rs 2 to Rs 5, men's from free to Rs 1, and bathing fees doubling from Rs 5 to Rs 10. The policy is still in the planning stage and has not been finalized.