Civic body in Sangrur fails to build public toilets for growing population

Four facilities for over 1.20L residents, none made by Municipal Council

Sushil Goyal

Sangrur, Updated At : 06:04 AM Nov 03, 2024 IST

A view of public toilet, constructed by HPCL, at Kaula Park Market in Sangrur.

It may seem surprising, but the Sangrur city Municipal Council has not built a single public toilet or urinal within its limits, despite a population exceeding 1.20 lakh. This revelation came to light in a recent response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by local activist Advocate Kamal Anand.

In his request, Anand sought information about the availability of public toilets in Sangrur. The Executive Officer (EO) of the Sangrur MC reported there are four public toilets in the city; however, none have been constructed by the municipal council. The other three were built by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and one by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA). These toilets are located in Kaula Park Market, the old vegetable market, Qila Market and Shahi Samadhan. Although the Sangrur MC handles maintenance and sanitation for these facilities, it did not contribute to their construction.

The EO’s response indicated that while urinals exist at these locations, separate stand-alone urinals have not been provided. This lack of facilities poses a significant challenge, especially in a district headquarters where many people from nearby villages visit daily. The shortage of public toilets often forces visitors to relieve themselves in the open, which undermines the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Anand pointed out the absence of dedicated women’s toilets and urinals makes it particularly difficult for female visitors. He highlighted the Punjab Government’s “Solid Waste Management and Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-Laws 2020,” which criminalises open defecation and urination, punishable by a fine of Rs 500 for each offense. Anand expressed frustration that while the state government imposes penalties, it fails to provide essential infrastructure.

The situation raises serious concerns about public health and sanitation in Sangrur. Anand urged local authorities to prioritise the construction of public toilets and restrooms to meet the needs of the community and ensure a cleaner environment for all.