While Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has earmarked a multi-crore budget to bolster public sanitation in the capital, “lack of land” has emerged as the primary hurdle for the ambitious project. A plan to construct 150 new public urinals at major markets and intersections has been mired in crisis before the first brick could be laid. Engineering teams have reportedly spent over a week surveying the city for vacant plots, yet feasible locations remain elusive. According to Municipal Corporation records, out of 150 targeted sites, consensus has been reached on only 50 locations. Even where Government-owned land is available, neighbouring residents are fiercely resisting construction. A significant factor behind the land crisis is a deep-seated lack of public confidence. Residents at various proposed sites argue that the civic body often fails to maintain facilities after construction.

 

There is a prevailing fear that these 160-square-foot structures will transform into centres of stench and disease rather than public utilities. “When the Corporation cannot maintain existing facilities, why should we allow new ones in residential clusters?” questioned a local resident. Under the project, each urinal is estimated to cost approximately Rs 4 lakh. While tenders for 106 units have already been issued, contractors are unable to commence work due to absence of finalised sites. Engineering teams are now scouring for alternative locations—even if slightly off the main roads—to minimise public friction. We are continuously identifying areas with highest demand for these facilities. While land shortage is a serious concern, we are exploring alternative routes and attempting to resolve disputes so that work can begin at the earliest,” said Varun Awasthi, Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation.