Lack of sanitisation in public toilets increases demand for ‘Pink Toilets’ in Doon
Wednesday, 04 OCTOBER 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Lack of sanitisation and inadequate provision of facilities such as sanitary napkins in public toilets is increasing the number of women seeking pink toilets in Dehradun. The women residing in the city have raised the issue of unsatisfactory conditions they encounter in public toilets. In light of this situation, the women have appealed to the government to establish pink toilets at designated locations within the city.
Pink toilets are generally equipped with various facilities like vending machines for sanitary pads, a disposal machine for the used pads and a breastfeeding area for mothers and children making it a convenient space for women.
Local resident Sonia Arora said that upon experiencing an urgent need for toilet facilities while shopping in the market, she was disheartened by the deplorable state of the public toilet available. The absence of proper sanitisation and basic amenities was distressing. Taking into account all these factors, she said the government should build pink toilets throughout the city.
Local shop owner Vaishnavi Kashyap said, “I am currently operating a clothing store in the main market of the city. The public toilets available in the market are highly unhygienic. In addition to this, I find it particularly uncomfortable to use public toilets, especially during menstruation. To address this issue faced by women, the government should install pink toilets in the city.”
In 2021, the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) had planned to construct specialised facilities for women known as pink toilets in prominent locations in the city. Talking about pink toilets, a senior municipal official said that the corporation had planned to build pink toilets but availability of space was one of the issues due to which they did not proceed with the plan. However, the plan is under consideration and MCD might act on it soon.
