MCD plans 300 world-class toilets……….Ruchika Chitravanshi
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) plans to set up 300 world-class public toilets in public-private partnership.
A brainchild of Amiya Chandra, the officer on special duty with the civic body, the initiative is timed to coincide with the Commonwealth Games in October this year.
The corporation would give parcels of land for constructing toilets, while giving companies the right to commercially develop a fifth of the land.
McDonald’s and Airtel are among the companies keen to partner with MCD in this initiative.
“When McDonald’s is operating an outlet close to a toilet, it cannot afford to have it dirty, because it will affect its own sales. In return, it is getting the space,” Chandra said on the sidelines of the tourism conclave organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.
The first such facility would be ready in 45 days.
Taking cues from private sector players on how they maintained wash rooms inside malls and restaurants, MCD came up with the idea of involving corporate players.
The civic body would give 800-1,200 acres for the project though a tender. The companies would have to keep 80 per cent of the total area for toilets, but would be free to use the rest for their business.
The government would also allow construction of one floor on the land given for commercial purposes.
“Big corporate players have shown interest in this project. The sanitary parameters have to be met by the developer,” said Chandra.
A minimum investment of Rs 30 lakh would have to be made for constructing one toilet. The government would not have to spend any money to maintain these facilities.
The community toilet will have washrooms, nappy-changing stations and other such amenities found in international washrooms.