Kalyan: In a forward-thinking move to upgrade public sanitation, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, has launched the construction of ‘Aspirational Toilets’ at several key locations across the city. This initiative is part of the broader Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan and aims to modernize public toilet facilities, especially benefiting women and addressing the growing need for sanitation due to increasing urbanization.

The initiative traces its origins back to 2009 under the Nirmal MMR programme, which focused on modernizing aging toilets funded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Now, with heightened demand, KDMC is constructing aspirational toilets across 12 identified locations, featuring 72 toilet units and 36 urinal units.

The project has received government approval, and construction is already underway at prime locations, including Rani Laxmibai Park and the Aadhaarwadi Fire Station. Responding to public requests, prefabricated toilets will soon be installed near Mumbai University in Kalyan West, Ganesh Ghat in Kumbharkhanpada, and Pusalkar Udyan near Tandon Road.

Particular emphasis is placed on women's safety and comfort, with these new toilets featuring separate, secure facilities for women. Dr. Jakhar has instructed her team to ensure the timely completion of the project, which also includes plans for accessible toilets for differently-abled individuals at select locations.