The BMC has decided to construct toilet blocks on the stretch of road between Chembur and Mulund.
According to P I Sukhdeve, deputy engineer, public works Department (Eastern Express Highway), We have received a proposal from the BMC to construct seven blocks of public toilets on the Eastern Express Highway. The proposal has been forwarded to the authorities, who are likely to clear the project in the near future.

The project will be developed under the Mumbai Sewerage Disposal project, for which the BMC has already granted a No Objection Certificate. Prakash Patil, assistant municipal commissioner, Mwest ward, says, We have already granted clearance for three toilet blocks, which are being planned in my ward.

Sukhdeve adds that the toilets will come up in seven locations, including Suman Nagar, CST Junction, Siddhartha Nagar, Kamaraj Nagar and Ramabai Nagar. He says the BMC has already carried out a survey of the site.

The project has been delayed because the civic authorities are trying to rope in private parties, including non-government organisations, to construct the toilet blocks. Sukhdeve says, We have told the BMC to construct these toilets well behind the road line to prevent accidents.

A large number of slum-dwellers residing in colonies near the Highway do not have any or negligible toilet amenities. Thus, they are forced to urinate and defecate on the side of the road.

Residents have welcomed the BMCs move. Mahesh Kadarekar, resident of Shell Colony, says, This will also help prevent accidents as people sometimes cross the road to defecate. This is also an important stretch of road, frequented by VIPs, who receive a bad impression of Mumbai when they witness such scenes.

Dr GB Shetty, resident of Pant Nagar, says, "The BMC should have done it much earlier.

manthan@mid-day.com