Ground Report: Muzaffarpur's bio-toilets worth crores decay before launch, probe on
Green (bio) toilets built at a cost of crores of rupees under the Smart City Mission in Bihar's Muzaffarpur have turned into symbols of neglect
Green (bio) toilets built at a cost of crores of rupees under the Smart City Mission in Bihar's Muzaffarpur have turned into symbols of neglect, with nearly 25 facilities lying abandoned, locked, or reduced to junk even before becoming fully operational. A ground report by India Today exposed the poor condition of these public amenities, prompting the local administration to order an investigation and direct immediate repairs. Read Full Story The bio-toilets, envisioned as a modern sanitation solution for the city, now present a stark contrast to the objectives of the Smart City Mission. Many of the structures remain shut with rusted locks, while others are surrounded by garbage, overgrown vegetation and foul-smelling waste, making them unusable for the public. An on-ground inspection at several prominent locations revealed that the multi-crore project has largely failed to deliver its intended benefits. At Company Bagh Road, the bio-toilet was found completely locked. Residents said the facility has never been made operational, forcing people, particularly women, to struggle whenever they require a public toilet.
Alka, who had travelled to the city from a rural area, said women bear the brunt of the non-functional facilities. She said the toilet was constructed but never opened for public use, creating hardship whenever there is a need to use the facility. A similar picture emerged outside the Tirhut Divisional Commissioner's office near the Head Post Office, where the bio-toilet has been overtaken by bushes. A rusted lock on its entrance indicates that the facility has remained unused for a long time. The condition of another bio-toilet near Sadar Hospital and the Cooperative Bank was even worse. Garbage was strewn around the premises and a strong stench emanating from the area made it difficult to stand nearby. Instead of serving the public, the facility has become a source of inconvenience. Even the bio-toilet located inside the Collectorate complex, the district headquarters, has been reduced to a showpiece. Waste has accumulated around the structure and the absence of maintenance has rendered it unusable.
The failure of these facilities has affected thousands of people who visit Muzaffarpur every day for medical treatment, court-related work, banking, shopping and other purposes. Women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and families travelling with children are among those facing the greatest inconvenience due to the lack of functional public toilets. AUTHORITIES SWING INTO ACTION The findings of the India Today ground report triggered an official response from the administration. Taking cognisance of the report, Tirhut Divisional Commissioner Girvar Dayal Singh directed the Muzaffarpur Municipal Commissioner to investigate the matter and ensure that all non-functional bio-toilets are repaired and made operational. The Commissioner described the bio-toilet initiative as an ambitious government project and instructed officials to launch a three-month repair drive covering all defective facilities. He also ordered a city-wide survey to identify areas requiring additional public toilets, particularly in congested localities, markets and commercial hubs. The directions include constructing separate toilet facilities for men and women, expanding the number of women-exclusive Pink Toilets, and ensuring uninterrupted water supply at every public toilet.
The BriefWire