The last time cities were ranked for Swach Bharat in February 2016, Bengaluru had got the 38th position and was grouped with cities that needed improvement. Lack of adequate toilet facilities was one of the reasons for the low ranking.
In a bid to correct this shortcoming, the BBMP has begun a wardwise survey of toilets in private residences and public places. To be carried out over the next one month, it will for the first time provide on-ground data of the toilet deficit in the city, as per the Swach Bharat guidelines.
Schools, SHGs roped in
Schools and Self Help Groups are being roped in for the exercise. The BBMP has issued a proforma to all schools along with SHGs. Schools need to confirm that each student has access to toilets both at home and in school while SHGs will conduct a on-ground survey at the ward level.
“If our estimate is right, there are many wards that already satisfy the guidelines and can be declared open defecation free. We will gather data on areas facing a shortage and will build toilets there,” said Subodh Yadav, Special Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, BBMP.
A BBMP survey in January had revealed that over 37,000 families in the city's slums did not have toilets in their homes. The city has 504 Sulabh Shouchalayas (public toilets) mostly in the core areas. The BBMP has set a target of building 6,596 public toilets under PPP by 2019, but the city has not seen any major investment in this regard till date.
