Govt to roll out digital monitoring of public toilets | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar:
In a technological upgrade, the housing and urban development department is set to roll out a comprehensive digital monitoring system for public and community toilets across 110 urban local bodies (ULBs) under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).The initiative, spearheaded by the Odisha Water Supply & Sewerage Board (OWSSB), marks a significant leap in the state’s urban sanitation strategy. Currently, the management of toilets is monitored under the SUJOG portal for five municipal corporations. This new initiative will cover the rest of the ULBs, sources said.With over 4,000 public and community toilets currently maintained by Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups, the new system aims to bring transparency, accountability, and real-time oversight to sanitation infrastructure.The digital protocol will track cleanliness, infrastructure status, and functionality of each toilet on a monthly basis, feeding data into a centralised dashboard accessible to both ULB and state officials in Bhubaneswar.“This is a transformative step in how we manage public sanitation. The digital dashboard will not only help us monitor performance but also ensure timely interventions wherever service gaps are identified,” said an OWSSB official.Officials said the monitoring protocol will include mobile-based data collection tools, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ULB staff, and a rating system for toilet facilities. The system will also generate monthly MIS reports and highlight best-performing facilities through case studies.City mayor Sulochana Das said this is a key initiative for monitoring and maintenance of the public toilets. “We have made significant strides in toilet management. This new tool will help the ULBs manage the facilities even more comprehensively,” she said.As part of the implementation, OWSSB has invited proposals from expert agencies to develop and operationalise the system. The selected agency will also be responsible for training ULB staff and SHGs, developing e-learning modules, and creating educational materials to promote hygiene awareness.“The digital monitoring initiative is a key component of the broader SBM 2.0 roadmap, which includes used water management, planning and professionalisation of sanitation services and officials. The project will commence in November and run for two years,” the official added.Alongside, the OWSSB has also devised a plan to achieve Open Defecation Free Plus Plus (ODF++) status for the 110 ULBs under SBM Urban 2.0. “Swachh Bharat Mission has really been a transformative initiative in achieving cleanliness not only in urban areas but also in the villages. Time is now to accelerate,” said environmentalist Bijay Mishra.
