In a significant move to address the city's chronic public sanitation woes, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has submitted a detailed proposal to the state government. The plan seeks approval to install 10 new mobile toilet units across key locations in the capital.
A Rs 5 Crore Solution to a Persistent Problem
The civic body's initiative, estimated to cost Rs 5 crore, aims to tackle the acute shortage of functional public toilets and improve hygiene access for residents, commuters, and visitors. Each proposed mobile unit will comprise eight toilets for men and women. Corporation Secretary Jahamgeer S highlighted the advantages, stating, "The mobile toilets, which keep moving, will considerably help the public. Their maintenance is also easier than permanent public toilets."
Currently, the corporation has only four mobile toilets, with one under repair. Officials admit these are grossly inadequate, especially in bustling commercial zones, transport hubs, and areas with large gatherings. The new toilets will be mounted on trucks, purchased and customized by private agencies via tender. Their key feature is flexibility; they can be relocated across the city based on demand.
Backdrop of a Sanitation Crisis
This proposal comes against a grim backdrop of long-standing maintenance failures. The city's sanitation concerns intensified after it scored zero in public toilet cleanliness in the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' Swachh Survekshan Survey 2023. According to corporation records, the city has 46 public toilets, but more than half remain shut due to poor upkeep, staffing shortages, or operational issues.
Most existing facilities are maintained by Kudumbashree workers but do not operate round-the-clock, limiting utility. In June 2024, the corporation approached the Kudumbashree Mission to take over the operation and maintenance of all public toilets in the city, excluding those run by Sulabh. This decision followed repeated public complaints about unhygienic conditions and lack of access.
Past Efforts and Future Hope
The corporation has experimented with various models to fix the situation. Until 2022, there were no free public toilets, with nine operating on a pay-and-use basis. Attempts at a revenue-generation model failed. A special monitoring team and daily cleaning squad were formed, but efforts were discontinued midway due to staff shortages.
The new mobile toilet proposal is backed by a 2019 corporation bylaw outlining maintenance guidelines and procedures. For events organized by the corporation and other government bodies, including rallies, these mobile facilities will be provided free of cost. Although the proposal is with the state government, funding is expected from the Centre.
Jahamgeer S expressed hope for swift implementation: "We hope to implement the project as soon as the Centre sanctions the fund. It will take two to three months, and all mobile toilets will be on the roads." Officials believe this initiative, if executed promptly, could significantly ease the city's public sanitation crisis.
