Praja Foundation released ‘Report on the Status of Civic Issues in Mumbai'

 Praja Foundation released a report on ‘Report on the Status of Civic Issues in Mumbai' on 28th May, 2024 at Mumbai Press Club

 Only 1 in 4 Public Toilet Seats in Mumbai are for women as of 2023. 

 One Public Toilet Seat in Mumbai serves 752 male users and 1820 female users whereas, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) prescribes one toilet seat for 100-400 men and 100-200 women. 

 One Community Toilet Seat in Mumbai serves 86 male users and 81 female users whereas, SBM prescribes 1 toilet seat for 35 male users and 25 female users. 

 As per the SBM norms, the existing number of Community toilet seats (82,407) is only adequate to serve 1/3rd of the slum population in Mumbai. 

 Out of the total Community toilet blocks (6,800) in Mumbai, 69% lack water connections and 60% do not have electricity connections. 

 Air pollution-related complaints have increased by 305% from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, not a single month recorded an average of Good Quality Air in Mumbai. 

Mumbai, 28th May 2024: Praja Foundation released ‘Report on the Status of Civic Issues in Mumbai, 2024’. The report aims to focus on issues of sanitation and pollution in Mumbai. The report analyses civic data and indicates concerning issues of public toilets, community toilets, and water & air pollution levels in the city that affect citizen’s fundamental right to health as well as life.

"Mumbai is hailed as the ‘city of dreams’. People across India, look towards Mumbai with an aspiration for better economic possibilities and, thus, a better life", said Milind Mhaske, CEO of Praja Foundation. he continued, "The city is home to 1.92 crore citizens and over 80 lakh commuters travel to the city every day to fullfil their economic and educational needs. Hygienic and healthy urban life is essential for such a large population to nurture their productivity and effectively participate in the city's economy". 

"Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) sets guidelines for the construction of public toilets as well as Community Toilets. Annual Swachhata Survekshan is an effective benchmark to assess the sanitation and hygiene of a city. In 2023, Survekshan, Mumbai is recognised as ODF+ with a 90% score in clean public toilet facilities. However, Mumbai’s ranking amongst all cities above 10 lakh population is an alarm. Amongst all cities assessed within Maharashtra, Mumbai ranked 37. This rank further dips to 189 in the National Ranking. As a global metropolis and Financial Capital of India, these rankings press the need to introspect", said Yogesh Mishra, Head - Research and Analysis of Praja Foundation.

Mumbai also falls short of providing an adequate number of Public toilet seats to women. Out of four public toilet seats, only one seat is for women on average. The condition is even dire in wards that attract a high number of floating population due to their commercial and cultural prominence. C Ward (Marine Lines, Chira Bazar, Girgaon) shows the most alarming imbalance with only one toilet seat available for women compared to six seats for men. Addressing this gender gap should be prioritised to ensure women get equitable access to sanitation.

"Being a port city, Mumbai shares economic, cultural and environmental links with its rich coastline. Not only sea is important for commercial activities but also for moderating city’s climate", said Mr Eknath Pawar, Program Coordinator. He continued "Mumbai’s coastal waters though record critical levels of pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) prescribe levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Fecal Coli Form in Mumbai’s river, sea and creek water to understand pollution. Despite seven wastewater treatment plants and 1 STP plant, all beach outlets in Mumbai record BOD a minimum of two times and a maximum of five levels higher than the desirable norm of 3 mg/lt. High water pollution presents a threat to rich marine diversity around the city and is also a health hazard for people who visit the beach for economic or recreational purposes".

"BMC is responsible for sanitation facilities and curbing pollution. However, for the last two years city government has been functioning without public representatives (councillors). Councillors are the first point of contact and last mile connectivity to raise and address urban issues of the city. In the absence of councillors and any other alternative, nuances of public issues are not being deliberated. While the Maharashtra State Assembly elections are due later this year, we do not have clarity on civic elections. It is high time, the state government shares its vision for effective and democratic functioning of city governments", Mr. Mhaske concluded.

About PRAJA Foundation: 

Over the last two decades Praja has been working towards enabling accountable governance. We conduct data driven research on civic issues and inform key stakeholders such as Elected Representatives(ER), citizens, media, and government administration and work with ERs to equip them to address inefficiencies in their work processes, bridging the information gaps, and mobilising them in taking corrective measures while advocating for change. PRAJA's goals are simplifying people's lives, empowering the citizens and government with facts and creating instruments of change to improve the quality of life of citizens in India. PRAJA is committed to creating an accountable and efficient society through people's participation.

For media queries, please contact: 

Eknath Pawar (+91 99301 99110), 

Priyanka Sharma (+919930811106) 

Email ID: - media1@praja.org