Odisha: Now you will have to pay Rs 5 for using public toilets
Odisha: People in the capital city of Bhubaneswar will now have to pay a fee to use public toilets. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to reinstate public toilet user charges, which were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new system, people using the city’s public toilets will be charged ₹5 per use.
The corporation states that this decision was taken to ensure better maintenance, cleanliness, and long-term smooth operation of public sanitation facilities. This step follows a directive from the Housing and Urban Development Department, which advised urban local bodies to reinstate user fees for sanitation facilities.
According to BMC officials, the new system will initially be implemented on a one-month trial basis. During this period, it will be observed how the fee system works, how people respond, and how much it improves the maintenance of public toilets. If the system proves effective and people do not face any major problems, it may be continued.
Fees were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cash transactions in public places were restricted to reduce the risk of infection. For this reason, facilities like public restrooms, community restrooms, and urinals were made free for the public.
Since the pandemic, people have been using these facilities without any charge. Now, the Municipal Corporation believes that a sustainable financial system is necessary for regular cleaning, water availability, staff deployment, and maintenance. Therefore, the decision has been made to reinstate user charges.
Over 100 Public Restrooms in Bhubaneswar
A large number of public sanitation facilities are currently available in the BMC area. According to municipal data, 109 public restrooms, 56 community restrooms, and 18 e-toilets are operational in the city.
In addition, seven e-toilets are also available in parks operated by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). All these facilities provide sanitation services to the city’s citizens, travelers, and market visitors.
According to the Municipal Corporation, the public toilets have a total of approximately 710 seats, while the community toilets have approximately 1,055 seats for users.
Sanitation Infrastructure Expansion Continues
New projects are underway to strengthen public sanitation in Bhubaneswar. The Municipal Corporation is developing a large number of urinals and other facilities across the city.
A total of 152 urinals are to be constructed under the plan. Construction of 93 of these urinals has been completed, while more than 10 have been opened for public use. The remaining facilities are set to be operational soon.
In addition, 69 urinals and 6 new public toilets are currently under construction. Officials say that the opening of these facilities will further strengthen the city’s public sanitation infrastructure.
Fees are necessary for maintenance: BMC
Municipal officials say that regular expenses are required to keep public toilets clean. This includes expenses such as cleaning staff salaries, water supply, electricity, sanitary materials, and periodic repairs.
The BMC says that the proceeds from user charges will be directly used to improve the maintenance and operation of these facilities. This will ensure cleaner and more convenient public toilets are available to the public.
Public feedback will be monitored
After the new system is implemented, the Municipal Corporation will also monitor public feedback. Officials say that necessary changes can be made if people encounter any problems.
The Municipal Corporation will also ensure that the fee collection process is transparent and that people receive the best possible service as per the prescribed facility. To this end, necessary guidelines will be provided to the concerned agencies and employees.
Steps towards a Clean City
Bhubaneswar is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and continuous efforts are being made to improve the sanitation system. Increasing the number of public toilets and focusing on their maintenance is a priority for the Municipal Corporation.
The BMC believes that implementing user charges will not only make the facilities more sustainable, but will also provide citizens with better sanitation services.
The new fee system is currently being implemented for a limited period. After a month-long trial, further decisions will be made based on its effectiveness and public feedback.
