Maharashtra Govt Rejects Praja Foundation Report On BMC's Civic Services, Orders Inquiry

Mumbai: The state government on Monday rejected a recent Praja Foundation report on BMC’s civic services. The issue was raised twice in the state council – first through a written reply during Question Hour and later via a calling attention motion. The state will conduct an inquiry into the report and will also appoint a committee to probe the high-handedness of the contractors for the public toilets.

Minister Uday Samant On The Report

Replying to a calling attention motion, Minister Uday Samant said there appear to be disparities between the findings of the report and the BMC's records. The subject was raised by Shiv Sena UBT member Sunil Shinde, who said water connection was not available at 69% of public toilets and power supply was not available in 60% of toilets. Rejecting the contention, Samat said 82% of toilets were provided with water connections and 88% of toilets have power connections.

The city will get 14,166 public toilets under the Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan 2.0 and 500 urinals by the BMC. BJP member Pravin Darekar demanded an inquiry into the findings of the Praja report and the selection process of the best public representatives. To which Samant nodded in favour and also announced an inquiry into the firms engaged for the upkeep and maintenance of the toilets.

In a written reply, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the BMC is not neglecting civic issues and is delivering services as per set standards. Complaints are being addressed within 24 to 72 hours. Replying to the question asked by Prakash Surve, Rohit Pawar and Raju Todsam, Shinde said the Praja Foundation report published in May said there was a 70% increase in the complaints over the solid waste management, water supply, schools, roads and toilets, etc.

According to the report, in the year 2024, the total complaints received were 1.15 lakh, which is much higher compared to the figures in 2015. The main focus was on the availability of public toilets, which the Praja report said one toilet was used by 86 males and 81 females on average, whereas it should be one toilet for 35 males and 25 females. Rejecting the findings by the Praja, Shinde said, there are 10,684 public toilets in Mumbai with 1.59 lakh seats, and it makes one toilet available for 46 males and 38 females on average. On the water supply issue, he said Mumbai was getting 4,000 million litres per day, and the residents in slums were provided with 45 litres per day per person.

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