Section 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, 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.