SDMC issues notification to petrol pumps to install free public toilets

New Delhi: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has issued notifications to petrol pumps to open functional public toilets by July 15, falling short of which, the owners shall face liability. SDMC Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat said the notifications have been issued after the corporation ranked 202 in the recent Swachh Survekshan Survey.

The guidelines for installation of free public toilets at petrol pumps included regular water supply with proper sanitation and hygiene available as long as the petrol pump stays open. The official said, “Petrol pump owners have also been asked to place a notice board, 4×3 feet in size, with an arrow at the entrance”.

Currently, only 551 public toilets are available at petrol pumps. The official added “SDMC commissioner Puneet Kumar Goel Saturday instructed officials that toilets should come up in 150 petrol pumps. While toilets are functional in 904 petrol pumps, the number will increase to 1,054”.

The SDMC is likely to come up with a new rule in which the owners will be denied municipal licenses if they do not comply the rules. “The corporation has appointed a nodal officer to ensure that the infrastructure is available at all petrol pumps. Owners have been given a deadline of two weeks. If they do not comply with the guidelines, action will be taken by SDMC against the defaulters” said the official.

Earlier in April, the SDMC issued notifications to all the hotels and restaurants to give access to their toilets, to women and children. The move came after the SDMC counsellors were advised of the same by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal.

“The aim is to ensure we are in the top 25 by making all 104 wards open-defecation free, setting up at least one compost bin in every ward and decentralising composting through bulk generators,” an SDMC official said, the Indian Express reported.