Maharashtra Government Halts ‘Aspirational Toilets’ Project Amid Policy Violation Allegations, Orders 30-Day Probe
- MimTimes मिम टाइम्स م ٹائمز
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
17 July 2025
Mumbai | By MimTimes Bureau
In a major development during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislature, the state government has ordered an immediate stay on the construction of 14 "Aspirational Toilets" being built on public footpaths across Mumbai. This decision came after BJP MLA Ameet Satam raised strong objections in the Legislative Assembly, alleging violations of BMC policies and misuse of public space, especially in heritage zones.
The ₹20 crore project—already underway at five locations in Mumbai's A Ward, including the Colaba and Fort precincts—has now come under scrutiny, with the government ordering a full inquiry within 30 days. These areas fall under Mumbai’s most sensitive heritage sites, with some parts even under UNESCO-recognized zones.
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🏛️ Key Concerns Raised by MLA Ameet Satam
Calling attention to the matter on the Assembly floor, MLA Ameet Satam slammed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for pushing ahead with the project without taking local representatives into confidence. “Despite the BMC’s own Pedestrian First policy, these toilet structures amount to encroachments on public footpaths and raise serious concerns about urban planning and heritage protection,” he said.
Satam questioned the unusually high cost of ₹1.75 crore per toilet and demanded a probe into whether vested interests influenced the tendering and site selection process. “What special technology is being used to justify such a high cost? Was this decision taken with proper consultation? Who approved this, and will the MRTP Act be applied if violations are proven?” he asked.
🏛️ Government Responds with Firm Action
Industries Minister Uday Samant assured the Assembly that a probe would be completed within 30 days. “All ongoing works have been halted until the inquiry report is submitted. The investigation will determine if BMC's policies were flouted, and action will be taken accordingly,” said Samant.
👥 Speaker, Ministers Demand Accountability
Speaker Rahul Narwekar took a strong stand, highlighting the disregard shown to elected representatives. “Officials appear to be acting unilaterally, bypassing democratic norms. If it is found that the decision was made in violation of policies, action must be taken against the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City),” Narwekar directed, adding that responsible officials should be suspended if found guilty.
Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar also expressed serious concerns, noting that some construction sites fall within heritage precincts governed by strict regulatory frameworks. “Even if heritage committee approvals were obtained, this doesn’t give a free pass to override urban planning ethics. Pedestrian rights and Mumbai’s aesthetic integrity must not be compromised,” Shelar said.
📌 What’s Next?
• 🔍 30-Day Inquiry: A report will determine if rules were broken, tenders mishandled, or vested interests played a role.
• 🛑 Work Stayed: All ongoing constructions have been paused.
• ⚖️ Possible Action: If violations are confirmed, actions under the MRTP Act and suspension of officials are likely.
This episode once again puts a spotlight on Mumbai’s fragile balance between development and heritage preservation, and raises questions about transparency and accountability within civic bodies.
