Kochi: The city is set to see a major boost in toilet infrastructure under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), with projects worth ₹7.75 crore in the pipeline. Of this, around ₹5 crore will come from Central Government SBM funds, while the remaining amount will be sourced from the Corporation’s own funds or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.

The project covers five categories:

• Toilets: Support has been earmarked for 200 toilet seats, with an estimated total cost of ₹4 crore. SBM will contribute ₹1.65 crore (₹1.5 lakh per seat), and the Corporation will provide the remaining ₹1.35 crore.
• Community toilets: 40 seats have been approved under this category, including complexes planned in settlement colonies (chawls). SBM will provide ₹33 lakh, while the Corporation must cover ₹27 lakh.
• Smart toilets: 64 toilet seats will be built at an estimated cost of ₹2.5 lakh per seat. Of the total ₹1.6 crore required, SBM will provide ₹88 lakh, with the Corporation funding ₹72 lakh.
• Urinals: 148 new urinals will be set up at a total cost of ₹47 lakh, of which ₹26 lakh will come from SBM and ₹21 lakh from the Corporation.
• Individual household latrines (IHHL): Under the PMAY-linked scheme, 2,500 beneficiaries will receive ₹8,300 each, fully funded by SBM.

Corporation Health Standing Committee Chairperson T K Ashraf said the projects will be designed in accordance with SBM guidelines. The Corporation has already prepared draft plans for various models, including container toilets. After necessary revisions, the final proposals will be placed before the municipal council for approval, he added.