4. Local authorities to survey insanitary latrines and provide sanitary community latrines.—(1)
Every local authority shall,—
(a) carry out a survey of insanitary latrines existing within its jurisdiction, and publish a list of
such insanitary latrines, in such manner as may be prescribed, within a period of two months from the
date of commencement of this Act;
(b) give a notice to the occupier, within fifteen days from the date of publication of the list under
clause (a), to either demolish the insanitary latrine or convert it into a sanitary latrine, within a period
of six months from the date of commencement of this Act:
Provided that the local authority may for sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing extend the
said period not exceeding three months;
(c) construct, within a period not exceeding nine months from the date of commencement of this
Act, such number of sanitary community latrines as it considers necessary, in the areas where
insanitary latrines have been found.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), Municipalities, Cantonment
Boards and railway authorities shall also construct adequate number of sanitary community latrines,
within such period not exceeding three years from the date of commencement of this Act, as the
appropriate Government may, by notification, specify, so as to eliminate the practice of open defecation
in their jurisdiction.
(3) It shall be the responsibility of local authorities to construct community sanitary latrines as
specified in sub-sections (1) and (2), and also to make arrangements for their hygienic upkeep at all
times.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “community” in relation to railway authorities means
passengers, staff and other authorised users of railways.