Pune Municipal Corporation Delays Approval of Rs 18 Lakh Mobile Toilet Bill Amidst Billing Discrepancies

Pune, 22nd February 2024: In Pune, large religious festivals and public events draw huge crowds, prompting the provision of mobile toilets to cater to citizens’ convenience. A bill amounting to Rs 18 lakh 64 thousand is currently under consideration for approval by the Standing Committee. However, concerns have arisen regarding billing discrepancies, including charges for more days than the duration of the event and invoicing for a VIP toilet at a rate of Rs 25,000 per day when not requested. Following an inquiry initiated by the Solid Waste Department, concerned officials have expressed dismay, indicating their reluctance to approve the payment without a thorough cross-check.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) takes measures to provide mobile toilets at crowded locations in the city, particularly during religious festivals and processions. The PMC enters into a contract with a contractor, paying a daily rent of Rs 1100 for each mobile toilet. The Solid Waste Management Department has presented a bill for the utilization of mobile toilets during the previous year to the standing committee, awaiting approval. The bill highlights the arrangement of VIP toilets at various locations such as the Diwali Bachat Bazar and Book Festival.

During Diwali, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) organized Bachat Bazaars at three different locations. At each of these three event venues, 2 VIP toilets were provided and utilized for 7 days. Additionally, during the Pune Book Festival, toilets were made available at SP College Grounds for 2 days and at Fergusson College Grounds for 10 days.

Upon conducting an inquiry into the utilization of VIP toilets during the Diwali Bachat Bazaars organized by the PMC, the Social Development Department revealed that there was no demand for VIP toilets at the Bachat Bazar in Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden (PL Deshpande Garden) on Katraj and Sinhgad road. However, two toilets were placed at the bazaar in Baner. It was discovered that five women’s and five men’s toilets were positioned at Katraj, while no mobile toilets were provided at PL Deshpande Udyan, according to sources in the Social Development Department.

Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC Solid Waste Department, has stated, “The bill for the usage of mobile toilets is currently under consideration by the standing committee. However, due to the received complaints, the approval will be granted only after a thorough verification process.”

Nitin Udas, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC Social Development Department, mentioned, “Mobile toilets were indeed requested for the Diwali Savings Market. We are currently in the process of determining the exact number required, and subsequent actions will be taken accordingly.”

Details of the Mobile Toilets from the Social Development Department, PMC:

– Mobile Toilet Rent: Rs. 1100 per day
– Total Number: 1240
– Bill Amount: Rs. 13.64 lakhs

Details of VIP Toilets:

– VIP Toilet Rent: Rs. 25,000 per day
– Total Number: 20
– Bill Amount: Rs. 5 lakhs