The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing a delay in approving an Rs 18 lakh 64 thousand bill for mobile toilets due to billing discrepancies. Concerns have been raised over charges for more days than the duration of the events and invoicing for a VIP toilet at a rate of Rs 25,000 per day when not requested. The Standing Committee is withholding approval pending a thorough cross-check following an inquiry initiated by the Solid Waste Department.
Large religious festivals and public events in Pune draw massive crowds, prompting the PMC to provide mobile toilets for citizens’ convenience. The PMC contracts with a service provider, paying a daily rent of Rs 1100 for each mobile toilet. The bill, awaiting approval by the Standing Committee, highlights billing irregularities, including charges for unrequested VIP toilets and discrepancies in the duration of the events.
During Diwali, Bachat Bazaars were organized at three locations by the PMC, with VIP toilets provided at each venue. However, an inquiry into the utilization of VIP toilets during the Diwali Bachat Bazaars revealed no demand for VIP toilets at one location, raising concerns about unnecessary charges. The bill includes charges for 1240 mobile toilets at Rs. 1100 per day and 20 VIP toilets at Rs. 25,000 per day, totaling Rs. 18 lakh 64 thousand.
Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC Solid Waste Department, stated, “The bill is under consideration, but due to complaints, approval will be granted only after thorough verification.”
Nitin Udas, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC Social Development Department, mentioned, “Mobile toilets were indeed requested for the Diwali Savings Market, and we are in the process of determining the exact number required.”
