Shimla Mayor Denies Reports of ₹5 Toilet Usage Fee at MC Facilities

Shimla, December 31: Mayor Surinder Chauhan of Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) has refuted claims about a proposed ₹5 usage fee for toilets at MC-owned facilities. Addressing the media, Chauhan confirmed that no such proposal exists, and current arrangements already exempt women from charges.

Chauhan clarified that the misunderstanding stemmed from a High Court case involving Sulabh International, which manages public toilets in Shimla. MC Shimla pays ₹2.47 lakh annually to Sulabh for maintenance but has no role in its management. Sulabh International had requested the court’s approval to levy charges on both men and women, which was discussed in the MC House.

“MC Shimla opposes this move and will make it clear in court that it has no plans to implement such charges now or in the future,” Chauhan stated. He emphasized that the MC will continue its practice of maintaining public toilets through annual tenders without imposing fees on the public.

Chauhan attributed the controversy to a misinterpretation of routine discussions in the MC House and assured citizens of the Corporation’s commitment to providing essential services without compromising public convenience or dignity, particularly for women.