Public sanitation facilities in Bengaluru, India, are in dire need of improvement, according to a recent audit conducted by the Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC). The audit, which assessed 142 public toilets across the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits, revealed a concerning state of the city's sanitation infrastructure. Over one in four public toilets were found to be non-functional, and only a small percentage met acceptable cleanliness standards.
The findings highlight a significant disparity between the city's rapid population growth and the inadequate public sanitation infrastructure. Bengaluru's population has surpassed 1.4 crore, yet the number of public toilets remains insufficient, with only 800-900 facilities available. This translates to a ratio of one public toilet for every 25,000 to 30,000 residents, which is far from ideal.
The audit uncovered several critical issues. Firstly, 37 of the 142 toilets surveyed were completely non-functional, and only six were rated as very clean. Persistent foul odors were a common problem, affecting 58% of the toilets. Safety concerns were also raised, as only 56% of the toilets had adequate lighting, making them unsafe for women during evening hours.
Accessibility was another major concern. Only nine toilets were equipped with ramps, leaving the majority of facilities inaccessible to individuals with disabilities. Basic amenities like water, soap dispensers, and dustbins were lacking in many toilets. Furthermore, the survey revealed a gender imbalance among caretakers, with only 15% being women, and a lack of transparency regarding contractors and user charges.
B.PAC's report emphasizes that Bengaluru's sanitation challenge goes beyond simply building more toilets. It calls for a comprehensive approach to ensure the functionality, hygiene, inclusivity, and proper maintenance of existing facilities. To address these issues, B.PAC has recommended an emergency repair drive, the establishment of a dedicated Public Toilet Management Cell, and the transition from construction-only contracts to five-year Operate and Maintain (O&M) contracts linked to performance monitoring.
The organization estimates that Bengaluru requires over 1,000 additional modern public toilets to meet the needs of its growing population. B.PAC CEO Revathi Ashok emphasized the importance of public toilets as essential civic infrastructure, impacting public health, women's safety, and human dignity. She stressed that a global city like Bengaluru cannot afford to neglect such basic services.
This audit serves as a stark reminder that improving public sanitation facilities is not just a matter of convenience but a critical aspect of urban development and public well-being. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their background, have access to clean, safe, and accessible public toilets.
