441 new public toilets to be built in Greater Bengaluru area: D.K. Shivakumar

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said 441 new public toilets were being constructed in the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits, in addition to 388 existing toilets, to improve sanitation facilities across the city.

Replying to Congress member Aarthi Krishna in the Legislative Council, Mr. Shivakumar said several measures were being taken to improve the availability and maintenance of public toilets in the city.

Ms. Krishna had raised concerns that many public toilets in the GBA limits were not user-friendly and not in usable condition, and suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) be used to monitor cleanliness and maintenance.

In response, Mr. Shivakumar said the city currently has about 380 public toilets, of which 65 were being operated by retired pourakarmikas, while 20 were being run by persons with disabilities.

Under the Shubhra Bengaluru initiative, 60 toilets would be constructed, he said. In addition, 191 toilets were under construction.

He said the Union government had provided ₹13.5 crore under the Swachh Bharat Mission, under which 90 toilets were being built. Another 100 toilets were being constructed under the Brand Bengaluru initiative, primarily aimed at improving facilities for women.

“In total, 441 new toilets are being constructed, apart from the 388 existing ones. If members bring to our notice the need for toilets in specific locations, we will examine the availability of land and take steps to construct them,” he said.