section 18
Responsibilitiy to ensure public latrine facilities.
The Kerala Public Health Act, 2023Health202383 sections12 chapters
Chapter 4 SANITATION FACILITIES
Statutory text
- (1) The State Public Health Committee shall discuss and formulate criteria for latrine facilities in public places and public spaces and the State Public Health Officer shall issue directions. Such directions shall be in accordance with the Building Rules made under the Kerala Panchayath Raj Act, 1994 (Act No.13 of 1994) and the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994 (Act No.20 of 1994).
- (2) The Local Self Governments shall arrange latrine facilities of required number and of proper standards which may be necessary for the use of general public at convenient places. They shall be neatly maintained, either by charging a nominal amount or not, in such a manner not to cause harm or nuisance to public health.
- (3) The owner or the dispenser of any building intended for human dwelling or use except those for individual residence shall arrange sufficient latrine facilities in accordance with the criteria prescribed. If such facilities are found to be inadequate, the public health officer shall issue notice in writing giving directions to carry out the facilities as may be required in the notice and shall take necessary measures to ensure such directions are complied.
- (4) It shall be ensured that user friendly latrine facilities are there for those including women, differently-abled and transgenders in all public places including work places, business establishments and shopping malls.
- (5) All latrines shall be,—
- (a) constructed in such a manner so as to ensure the health and privacy of users;
- (b) neatly maintained in a manner so as to avoid transmission of disease;
- (c) interlinked with the scientific disposal systems taking into account the peculiarities of the locality;
- (d) maintained in a manner, as to prevent accumulation of waste water in the premises and properly undertaking maintanence and without causing nuisance to the residents nearby.
- (6) If a latrine is erected or constructed in such a manner so as to offend public decency or is harmful or raise a threat to public health or does not comply with the provisions of sub-section (5), the Local Public Health Officer may, by notice in writing require the owner or dispenser to remove it or to carry out modifications required therein within the time specified in the notice.
- (7) The owner or dispenser of a building who fails to comply with the directions given by the public health officer under the provisions of sub-section (6) shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of six months or with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees and which may extend to to twenty five thousand rupees or with both.
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