Kolkata public toilets win "Best in India" title under 'Swachh Bharat Mission'

Kolkata has received a significant honor under the central government's 'Swachh Bharat Mission,' with its public toilets being recognized as the best in the nation. The Municipal Corporation has recently received a certificate from the Union Health Ministry, officially acknowledging the city's commitment to public sanitation and hygiene. This prestigious certification highlights Kolkata's successful management of its public sanitation facilities, setting a new benchmark for other urban centers across India.

The city currently maintains 478 public toilets, of which approximately 17 are exclusively designated for women. A key factor in their success is the involvement of private organizations, which are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of these facilities. This partnership between the municipal body and private entities has ensured that the toilets are consistently clean, functional, and accessible to the public, contributing to the city's overall public health infrastructure.

A few months ago, officials from the Ministry of Public Health conducted an independent assessment of Kolkata's public toilets. They visited various locations across the city to verify the cleanliness and operational standards firsthand. Their on-the-ground inspection was followed by a thorough evaluation of the city's sanitation infrastructure, leading to the positive final report.

Last week, the Union Health Ministry sent the Municipal Corporation the 'Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus' certificate. This certification is a significant achievement, confirming that no open defecation takes place in any ward of Kolkata. Furthermore, the certificate also praises the hygienic conditions of every public toilet managed by the municipality, stating that there is no risk of disease transmission within these facilities.

Building on this success, the Municipal Corporation has ambitious plans for further expansion and improvement of its public sanitation network. According to sources, five new public toilets will be constructed within the premises of Kolkata’s medical colleges. Additionally, nine new toilets will be built along the entire stretch from EM Bypass to Kamalagazi, addressing a long-standing need for more facilities in this busy corridor.

The city is also actively looking to increase the number of public toilets specifically for women from North to South Kolkata. The Municipal Corporation is currently in the process of identifying suitable government land for these new constructions. This initiative aims to provide greater convenience and safety for women, ensuring that the city's sanitation facilities are both widespread and gender-sensitive.