Pune: The city of Pune, once hailed for its ambitious initiative of automated e-toilets, now faces a dire situation as these state-of-the-art facilities stand largely shut down. The dearth of accessible and functioning public toilets has become increasingly apparent as the city expands and its population grows. Out of the fifteen e-toilets erected with much fanfare, a mere three are operational, leaving citizens with limited options for their sanitary needs.
The pressing issue of public toilets has once again come to the forefront, highlighting the challenges in providing basic sanitation to the city’s residents. While the existing traditional toilets are also in a dilapidated state, the non-functional e-toilets have added to the woes of the citizens.
In response to the need for clean and modern restroom facilities in crowded areas, former BJP MP Anil Shirole had stepped forward and allocated funds from the MP Development Fund for the construction of modern and automated e-toilets. This move was well-received as it aimed to address the sanitation concerns of the city’s ever-increasing population. Consequently, e-toilets were set up at fourteen locations, promising convenient and hygienic sanitation options.
However, despite the initial promise, only three out of the fourteen e-toilets are operational today. The management and maintenance of these automated facilities were entrusted to a private company, which played a crucial role in their functioning. However, when the contract with the company ended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the e-toilets were abruptly closed down. Although the use of these automated facilities came at a fee, many people appreciated the convenience, safety, and modern amenities they provided.
The termination of the contract with the private company left the Pune municipal administration (PMC) with the responsibility of reviving the e-toilet service. Unfortunately, there was a delay in commencing the new contract, resulting in the present situation where only a few e-toilets remain functional.
The municipal administration has acknowledged that most of the e-toilets are currently closed, only 3 are functional and the reasons behind their prolonged shutdown remain unclear. Moreover, the once state-of-the-art e-toilets have now fallen into disrepair, with broken doors and signs of neglect, presenting a rather dismal picture.
Citizens are expressing their concerns over the lack of accessible sanitation facilities, particularly in crowded areas where the need is most acute. The closure of the automated e-toilets has left the public with limited options, aggravating the already pressing issue of public sanitation.
