Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the Clean Toilet Campaign on November 19, 2024, under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. The five-week initiative, running until December 25, 2024, has gained significant momentum across the country. Chandigarh, known as the Garden City, is receiving recognition for its innovative use of technology to enhance the cleanliness and facilities of its community and public toilets.

Through geo-tagging, all toilet blocks located in markets, parks, and other public spaces in Chandigarh are now easily accessible via Google Maps. This technology allows both residents and visitors unfamiliar with the area to quickly locate and use the nearest facilities. Additionally, users can submit complaints or feedback, further enhancing the city's efforts toward maintaining high standards of hygiene and accessibility.

QR codes are being installed in every toilet block across the city, with many already in place. By scanning these QR codes, users can easily submit feedback on the condition of the toilets. This includes reporting issues such as dirt, sewage blockages, water leakage, or the absence of water or taps, as well as providing suggestions or positive feedback. This initiative ensures a quick and efficient way for the public to engage with the maintenance of these facilities.

In the women's toilet blocks, incinerators have been installed to facilitate the disposal of used sanitary pads. This ensures that used pads can be safely and hygienically disposed of on-site, promoting cleanliness and convenience.

The city is home to 331 public and community toilets, strategically located in markets, parks, and residential colonies. Among these, 147 toilets in markets are maintained by the Market Welfare Association (MWA) and Residents Welfare Association (RWA), while 41 are managed by Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The remaining 143 toilets are under the management of contractors. To ensure efficient upkeep and accountability, maintenance staff presence is monitored digitally, with requirements for selfies and location tracking. Currently, the MWA and RWA pay their employees' salaries for maintaining the toilets, while contractors compensate their staff based on the District Collector's (DC) prescribed rates. In the future, a decision has been made to standardize payments across all toilet facilities, ensuring all workers are paid in alignment with the DC rate.

Designed with sustainability in mind, integrating green spaces into public toilet facilities in India is an innovative solution that enhances sanitation. This concept merges public hygiene with eco-friendly design, creating functional spaces that are not only practical but also visually appealing and environmentally conscious. The idea of incorporating greenery around public toilets is gaining momentum as part of a broader effort to develop more sustainable and liveable urban environments. Plants such as bamboo, succulents, and other native species are helping absorb waste runoff and improve the air quality around toilet blocks. In Chandigarh, public toilet facilities are being planned as part of larger urban green initiatives. For example, integrating toilets into public parks, botanical gardens, or along walking trails where green spaces are already present. This encourages a harmonious balance between sanitation and nature, enhancing the quality of life for people using these facilities.

These initiatives in sanitation showcase Chandigarh’s dedication to creating clean, inclusive, and community-driven spaces that enrich the lives of its residents and visitors.