7 months on, public toilets remain inaccessible in Odisha’s Cuttack

Cuttack, a business hub and an ancient city with a history of over 1,000 years that attracts thousands every day, is grappling with a perplexing issue – non-operational public toilets, even after seven months of their construction.

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According to sources, despite the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) investing crores of rupees in these desperately needed facilities, they remain off-limits to the public, drawing increasing frustration from the residents.

Although completed in September last year at key locations such as Barabati Stadium, Biju Patnaik Park, Jagatpur, and Bikash Bhawan, these toilets still await their commissioning, despite being fully equipped. Reports of pre-opening vandalism add to the woes, with incidences of theft and damage, including stolen fans.

Demand for public sanitation services is acute in the city, especially around bustling neighbourhoods like Badambadi and along the Ring Road. Construction of most facilities ended in September 2024, and the CMC Mayor has indicated that the tender process for their maintenance is underway.

Tenders are expected soon, promising a functional future for these critical services. Yet, it remains to be seen when the much-anticipated relief will arrive for the citizens.

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Mayor assures commissioning soon

“We will take immediate steps and commission the facilities. We will introduce model bio-toilet facilities in prime locations of the city. Manpower engagement and maintenance will be handed over to private parties and the tendering process is on. Hopefully, the facilities will be made available for public use within a month or so,” CMC Mayor Subhash Chandra Singh asserted while speaking to OTV.