New Delhi: Delhi govt has decided to construct 500 public toilet blocks across the city to provide better public facilities for residents and tourists. The blocks will be ready in the next six months.The project, estimated to cost Rs 266.3 crore, has been approved by chief minister Rekha Gupta. The facilities will be developed through Delhi govt’s tourism department and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, said CM’s office. Another 500 public toilet blocks will be constructed in the second phase. The entire project is to be completed in 14 months.The blocks will be developed at major tourist destinations, heritage areas, markets, important roads and other places frequented by tourists. Of the 500 blocks planned in the first phase, 200 will come up in market areas, 97 along highways, 57 in commercial and industrial areas, 50 around tourist destinations and nine near major parks.The project also focuses on making the facilities accessible to women and persons with disabilities. Each block will have separate toilets for men and women, and ramps for easy access. For women, the facilities will include sanitary pad vending machines and pad incinerators for disposal. Each location will have a shop offering snacks, beverages and items of daily use. There will also be a caretaker’s room and space for a watchman.The blocks will have solar panels, CCTV cameras and mechanical ventilation systems. Outdoor video wall display boards will provide information to residents and tourists.Region-wise, 93 blocks will be built in the southwest region, 90 in northwest, 72 in west, 51 in south, 49 in southeast, 40 in New Delhi and 39 in central Delhi, among other areas.
