Mumbai News: BMC’s ₹20-Crore 'Aspirational Toilets' Project In Heritage Areas Under Probe After MLA Ameet Satam's Complaint

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has directed the state government to conduct a probe—through the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner—into alleged violations of rules in the construction of 14 "Aspirational Toilets" on footpaths in South Mumbai, including in heritage precincts such as Colaba and Fort.

The directive follows a calling attention motion raised by BJP MLA Ameet Satam during the Assembly session. Satam questioned the BMC’s decision to approve tenders worth ₹20 crore for the project, with work already underway at five sites in A Ward.

“Despite the BMC’s own ‘Pedestrian First’ policy and the fact that these are heritage areas, these toilets essentially amount to encroachments sponsored by the civic body itself,” said Satam. He questioned whether the objections of the local elected representative were considered, and asked who was responsible for selecting the sites and issuing the tenders. He also raised concerns about the high cost of ₹1.75 crore per toilet and whether vested interests had influenced the decision.

Satam demanded that the government halt ongoing construction and conduct an investigation under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.

Industries Minister Uday Samant, responding on behalf of the government, announced that a full inquiry would be completed within 30 days. He confirmed that the ongoing work would be stayed until the investigation is concluded. “If any violation of policy is found, action will be taken accordingly,” he said.

Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar expressed serious concern over civic officials bypassing elected representatives. “It seems arbitrary decisions were made at the direction of the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), in violation of democratic norms,” Narwekar said. He directed the BMC commissioner to lead the inquiry and submit a report within a month. If rules were violated, appropriate action—including suspension—should be taken, he added.

Ashish Shelar, Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District, also voiced concern. “Even with heritage committee approvals, these areas include UNESCO-recognized precincts with strict guidelines. We must preserve Mumbai’s aesthetic integrity and pedestrian rights,” Shelar said.

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar criticized the BMC’s inconsistent policies, stating, “When a local MLA seeks permission to set up a stall for a disabled person, the BMC cites hundreds of regulations. But here, toilets costing crores are approved with ease.”