BANGALORE: A Nirmala toilet, located in J P Nagar 2nd phase, was built by BBMP in order to help the residents and visitors of the area. But the poor maintenance of the toilets raises questions, once again, about the health hazards of having an unhygienic public toilet.Most of these toilets are pay-and-use. The reason for charging money is for their maintenance. Most for them are located on main roads or easily accessible places making it convenient for the public. The same goes for this one in J P Nagar 2nd Phase. But the main hassle is the ill maintenance of the restroom.The stench exuding puts most pedestrians and motorists in a lurch. The inside barely passes minimum requirements of hygiene.Water supply is another problem that the users are forced to deal with. Clogged toilets add to the chaos already caused. Easy accessibility of the place on the main street has a negative side-effect as the number of people who face the problem also tend to increase.Complaints of caretakers charging more than what the BBMP authorises them to is another problem. The residents are put under severe stress due to the many complications with the public toilet. Gopi, a resident, said, “The foul smell drives people away from using the toilet.The surroundings are not well kept. People have been known to avoid the street and use alternate roads to reach their destination. “ The electric bills and the water bills which have to paid by the authorities are not done so. The lack of light and water supply puts the users in a dilemma. The whole point of opening the toilets to help the downtrodden take care of themselves is lost due to the prices charged by the officials who are appointed to maintain the toilet. Another resident, on the condition of anonymity, added that the wash basins do not work and the toilet in often seen in a watery mess. The toilet operator, Devi, said, “I have lodged several complaints with the concerned authorities.But nothing is ever done to improve the condition of the toilet. The residents too have informed me that most of their grievances are not considered.” The need of healthy sanitary practices in the present world is growing day by day.The fear of infectious diseases in the hearts of the people further worsens matters. The residents say that the issue of them being paid toilets should be tackled, and they should be made free. The local corporator of the area is Chandrashekhar. He said, “I will ensure that all deficiencies with the toilets are worked upon soon.” He further asserted that measures to make it free would also be taken by him.
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