4Local 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, andpublish a list of such insanitary latrines, in such manner as may be prescribed, withina 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 publicationof the list under clause (a), to either demolish the insanitary latrine or convert it into asanitary latrine, within a period of six months from the date of commencement of thisAct:

Provided that the local authority may for sufficient reasons to be recorded inwriting extend the said period not exceeding three months;

(c) construct, within a period not exceeding nine months from the date ofcommencement of this Act, such number of sanitary community latrines as it considersnecessary, 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 sanitarycommunity latrines, within such period not exceeding three years from the date ofcommencement of this Act, as the appropriate Government may, by notification, specify, soas to eliminate the practice of open defecation in their jurisdiction.

(3) It shall be the responsibility of local authorities to construct community sanitarylatrines as specified in sub-sections (1) and (2), and also to make arrangements for theirhygienic upkeep at all times.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “community” in relation to railwayauthorities means passengers, staff and other authorised users of railways.