BMC to install 235 sanitary napkin vending machines

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a step to upgrade women's sanitation. They will install 235 sanitary napkin vending machines in community toilets. Each machine with 500 sanitary napkins will be installed across slums in the city. This is exclusive of the 172 sanitary napkin vending machines installed in civic schools.

Women activists have welcomed the project, but are worried about the maintenance and sustainability of it.

"The installation work will begin by May-June. The 235 machines will be wall-mounted, with 500 napkins each. The contractor will also provide comprehensive maintenance for two years. So, maintenance should not be an issue," said Suprabha Marathe, Deputy Chief Engineer, Solid Waste Managament, BMC. The machines will have sanitary napkins incinerators, which will be able to dispose 100 napkins per day.

Right to Pee activist, Supriya Sonar, said, "We are happy that the BMC has finally taken a step towards provoding menstrual sanitation hygeine. The vending machines will contain incinerators, which will enable easy disposal and encourag slum dwellers to use sanitary napkins."

"The civic body is now showing a zest to install the machines. This shouldenergy continue through the operation and maintenance work, too. We are ready to work on the same platform with the BMC to ensure the sustainability of this project," Sonar added.

MACHINES IN SCHOOLS

• Under sanitation programmes for girls in civic schools, the BMCinstalled 169 sanitary napkin vending machines across 165 secondary schools. "The project to install these machines will continue through 2018. They are used frequently and have got a good response so far," said Mahesh Palkar, Education Officer, BMC.