The New Indian Express 18.10.2010
The call of nature
BANGALORE: The BBMP does not have any plan to address the need of basic infrastructure such as public toilets in certain areas. “As per the report of City Development Plan, an estimated 1.5 million households in Bangalore do not have toilets ,” says a civic activist. This blatant display of uncivil behavior, which is nothing short of violation of the law, can be observed at the BBMP headquarters too.The Mahanagara Palike has several urinals and lavatories for public use, but lack of maintenance of existing facilities, make them unfit for use. Also, the inebriated state of men manning these facilities makes it impossible for public use. The Infosys Foundation did their bit in elevating the image under Bangalore Agenda Task Force, through Nirmal Nagar Yojana, by constructing 25 Nirmala Sauchalay at key locations with one time generous contribution of four crore rupees in order to improve the conditions of the same.
Sulabh International has been rendering its role in addressing the core issue under built operate and transfer (BOT) basis for BBMP on an agreement ranging from 10 to 20 years. Over the years they have been able to sustain with the revenue generated through a token ‘Pay and Use’ manned by their own work force placed on sites. Nirmal Kumar Singh, Chairman of Sulabh International, Bangalore says “The city requires at least 500 fresh projects on priority, most of the existing facilities are dilapidated and insufficient and not fit for use due to poor or no maintenance”.
On contacting BBMP official on the issue of lack of public amenities, the PRO, SS Khandra says “we have asked all Zonal Joint Commissioners to identify places on priority to facilitate the core issue by executing more such facilities”. Funds allocation of 700 crores through Jnnurm to BBMP and the special budget allocation of 1500 crore have been sought by BBMP from the State Government. It is surprising that BBMP has not included the issue in the list of projects to be executed from its funding source.
Recent protests and dharnas staged in front of BBMP office by the Paurakarmikas against tendering of contracts of ‘Pay and Use’ toilets raise serious concern.
City based NGO and civic body ‘Civic Bangalore’ represented by Kathiyani Chamaraj, said “the BBMP should prioritize the basic needs which they are lacking.”
