Mumbai Minister reverses BMC's Pre-Cast Toilet Decision
ECONOMY & POLICY

Mumbai Minister reverses BMC's Pre-Cast Toilet Decision

One month after requesting the BMC to temporarily halt the Rs 4.88 billion tender for 14,000 traditional community toilets within the city's slum areas, and to instead install pre-cast restroom facilities at a minimum of 500 locations, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the guardian minister of Mumbai suburban, has now advised the municipal authorities to proceed with the tender process.

In his most recent correspondence to the municipal commissioner, Iqbal Chahal, Lodha conveyed that discontinuing the tender process at its advanced stage and opting for pre-cast toilets would only lead to delays in constructing public restrooms, causing inconvenience to the citizens. He suggested, "Hence, I recommend that you continue with the ongoing tender process." Additionally, Lodha proposed initiating separate tenders specifically for constructing new or additional public toilets in collaboration with corporate companies. This approach would ensure that the construction begins concurrently. The letter also conveyed a willingness to embrace contributions from corporate entities interested in participating.

Subsequent to Lodha's letter on July 5, the BMC suspended the Rs 4.88 billion tender despite it being in the final stages. A civic official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, "The decision was then made to procure pre-cast public toilets through corporate companies utilising CSR funds. Expressions of interest have been invited for these new toilets, while the existing tender has been temporarily halted."

Ravi Raja, a former Congress corporate and opposition leader within the BMC, criticised Lodha for his fluctuating stance and accused the BMC of being excessively responsive to his directives. Raja pointed out, "Soon after Lodha instructed the BMC to employ the pre-cast method for constructing 14,000 toilets in the slums, the administrators promptly altered their decision expert opinions were disregarded." Raja further noted, "It is evident that the municipal administrators lack autonomy in decision-making, as their actions seem contingent upon governmental instructions. Although toilet facilities are of utmost importance to the slum residents, the BMC's commitment to addressing this matter appears questionable."

One month after requesting the BMC to temporarily halt the Rs 4.88 billion tender for 14,000 traditional community toilets within the city's slum areas, and to instead install pre-cast restroom facilities at a minimum of 500 locations, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the guardian minister of Mumbai suburban, has now advised the municipal authorities to proceed with the tender process.In his most recent correspondence to the municipal commissioner, Iqbal Chahal, Lodha conveyed that discontinuing the tender process at its advanced stage and opting for pre-cast toilets would only lead to delays in constructing public restrooms, causing inconvenience to the citizens. He suggested, Hence, I recommend that you continue with the ongoing tender process. Additionally, Lodha proposed initiating separate tenders specifically for constructing new or additional public toilets in collaboration with corporate companies. This approach would ensure that the construction begins concurrently. The letter also conveyed a willingness to embrace contributions from corporate entities interested in participating.Subsequent to Lodha's letter on July 5, the BMC suspended the Rs 4.88 billion tender despite it being in the final stages. A civic official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, The decision was then made to procure pre-cast public toilets through corporate companies utilising CSR funds. Expressions of interest have been invited for these new toilets, while the existing tender has been temporarily halted.Ravi Raja, a former Congress corporate and opposition leader within the BMC, criticised Lodha for his fluctuating stance and accused the BMC of being excessively responsive to his directives. Raja pointed out, Soon after Lodha instructed the BMC to employ the pre-cast method for constructing 14,000 toilets in the slums, the administrators promptly altered their decision expert opinions were disregarded. Raja further noted, It is evident that the municipal administrators lack autonomy in decision-making, as their actions seem contingent upon governmental instructions. Although toilet facilities are of utmost importance to the slum residents, the BMC's commitment to addressing this matter appears questionable.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Next Story
Building Material

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?