Upset with stinky toilets? Use the AC ones

Vishal International Association, a City-based NGO, is going to change the way Bengaloreans answer nature’s call. In a pilot project undertaken in association with BBMP, the NGO will be constructing 23 air-conditioned (AC) public toilets in and around the City.

One such toilet of Kempegowda Bus Station, opposite the City Railway Station, was inaugurated on Monday by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Another is already operational at Mahalakshmi Layout BMTC bus stand.

Satish K Shastry, Organising Secretary of Vishal International, said, “The public toilets in the city are very smelly and also are in a horrible condition. People don’t feel like using them. In such a situation, we felt the need for air-conditioners to deal with the stench.”

Over the next eight to nine months, the NGO will be upgrading existing Nirmala toilets and constructing new ones in some areas. The project is fully-funded by the NGO. BBMP’s role is limited to providing the space. Each toilet will cost between Rs 6-7 lakh for upgradation and between 12-13 lakh rupees for construction. K R Market, Indiranagar, Kammanahalli, Jeevanbima Nagar, R T Nagar and Malleswaram are some of the areas where this facility will be available.

“We wanted quality toilets of the latest type which would be in a good condition. Hence, we went for air-conditioned toilets,” Thimmarasu, Executive Engineer of Mahalakshmipuram constituency, said.

Apart from air-conditioning, the toilets will also have FM radio tuned to Radio City 91.1 playing 24/7. Both Western and Indian toilets and facilities will be available for bathing. Staff will be hired to maintain cleanliness. The charges for using the facility will remain the same - Re 1 for urinals and Rs 2 for the toilet. The revenue has to be shared with BBMP.  

“The toilet in Mahalakshmi layout has been functional for 15 days now and the response has been really good. We are planning to keep a book in the toilets for people to share their feedback with us and give suggestions to improve the facility.” Shastry added.