ANJALI YADAV/Dehradun
The much-touted pink toilet initiative launched by Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) to provide women safe sanitation facilities and access to sanitary pads, is now in a bad shape, drawing criticism from people over its poor maintenance.
Notably, the toilet was inaugurated in December last to promote menstrual hygiene and create a safe public space for women.
The refrain of their criticism is non-maintenance of the facility. “The lack of cleanliness and upkeep raises concerns about how apathetically such public facilities are monitored and managed,” said a resident of Doon.
During a recent visit to the site by The Pioneer, visible signs of neglect were observed. The floors were unclean in parts and the sanitary pad dispensing box, which is supposed to provide 24×7 access, was found locked. A sanitation worker found present said that he cleans the facility daily. Asked about the sanitary napkins, he added that they did not have the key to open the pad dispenser, making it clear that the pads would remain elusive for women needing them in emergencies.
The users also voiced concerns about the irregularity of cleaning. Rakhi Khattri, who uses the facility, said that this was the third time she was at the facility since it came up. ‘I find it always unclean. I presume that the toilet is cleaned only once in the morning and after that, no one comes to clean it,” she said.
Another user, Chitranshi Bansal emphasised that the public amenities meant for women should be properly maintained to ensure safety and hygiene. “The plight of this facility saddens us. A little care is needed but it remains ill-cared due to the apathy of those tasked with maintaining it: sans staff, monitoring and cleaning,” she lamented.
A medical student of a nearby college, Deepali said, “Unclean toilets may lead to urinary tract infections and other diseases in women, which may result in serious health problems in the long run.” She said she had come to use it but was leaving, finding its poor condition.
Told about the view of the users and potential users of the pink toilet, the deputy municipal commissioner Tanvir Marwah said that action would be taken to make it user-friendly. “The cleaning work has been assigned to an agency and it is ensuring regular sanitation,” she said.
