User fee charts set up to curb overcharging at Karmal ghat toilet complex

Vijayawada: The staff at the pay-and-use public toilet complex located at Karmal Ghat, near the Durga Ghat downhill of the Indrakeeladri temple, continued to fleece devotees and the general public by collecting user charges far in excess of the rates fixed by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC).Reacting to repeated complaints from devotees and visitors, VMC City Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Arjun Rao said that the civic body displayed official user-fee rate charts at the toilet complex to curb overcharging. "Today (Tuesday), we fixed the user-fee rate charts at the Karmal Ghat toilet complex located in the Durga Ghat premises. As per the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contract, the contractor is permitted to charge only Rs 5 for the use of urinals. Hereafter, the VMC will strictly ensure that the contractor collects only Rs 5 from users," Dr Arjun Rao told TOI.However, contrary to the terms of the O&M agreement, the contractor managing the VMC pay-and-use public toilet complex at Durga Ghat allegedly collected arbitrary amounts ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 50 for the use of urinals, toilet rooms, and refresh facilities. The complex witnessed heavy footfall on a daily basis, as it was predominantly used by devotees visiting the hill shrine of the Indrakeeladri.Devotees alleged that, despite repeated objections, the staff continued to demand higher amounts, taking advantage of the rush and the lack of alternative facilities in the area. Several visitors said that the absence of displayed rate charts earlier enabled the contractor's staff to charge at will, causing inconvenience and financial burden to pilgrims, especially those from rural areas.Officials said that the VMC warned the contractor of strict action, including cancellation of the contract, if further violations were reported. The civic body also instructed field staff to conduct regular inspections at the toilet complex to ensure compliance with the approved user charges and to prevent the exploitation of the public in the future.