Mostly unkempt, pink toilets in city remain inaccessible for women

Time of India

6 days ago

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Lucknow: Despite the govt's initiative to establish Pink Toilets exclusively for women, the ground reality in the city's major markets paints a disappointing picture.
A reality check by TOI across four key commercial areas—Alambagh, Aminabad, Hazratganj, and Bhoothnath—revealed that many of these facilities are either non-functional, locked, or completely missing, worsening sanitation challenges for women.
In Alambagh, the Pink Toilet was found either locked or lacking basic amenities like water and cleanliness.
Several women reported being asked to pay Rs 10 per use, despite no female attendant being present.
As a result, many prefer using the Sulabh Shauchalaya, which charges Rs 2, or nearby hospital toilets.
Rashmika (35), who was pregnant at the time, said, "I urgently needed a washroom, but a man was collecting money outside.
There was no female staff and the place was filthy. I've avoided Pink Toilets ever since."
Farana (32), a bangle seller, said she uses the toilets at Chander Nagar Hospital due to the poor condition of the Pink Toilet.
Another local vendor, Mausami (32), added, "The Pink Toilet is rarely open, and when it is, they charge more than Sulabh."
Hema Ahuja, a shop owner, said her last visit six months ago revealed the facility had no water.
In Aminabad, the Pink Toilet reportedly remained shut since its construction two years ago.
"I've never seen it open," said Akash (30), a salesperson at a nearby Bata store. Many, like garment seller Sarojini Kashyap (63), were unaware of its existence altogether and continue to use Sulabh Shauchalaya. Puja (31), a dry fruit vendor, said the stench from the Sulabh facility drives away her customers.
"Women have no choice but to use it since the Pink Toilet is always locked.
I've even complained to officials," she added. In Hazratganj, the city's most central and high-footfall market, there is no Pink Toilet at all.
Ranjana (29), a constable at the Pink Booth, said women are allowed to use the booth's toilet only in emergencies. Bhoothnath faces a similar situation. The market has no Pink Toilet, and vendors like flower seller Geeta (37) have stressed the urgent need for a women-only sanitation facility.
Additional municipal commissioner Lalit Kumar said, "In the tender document, it was envisaged that the Pink Toilet would operate with the support of an attached shop and advertisements on its wall, at no additional cost to the LMC. However, we found few takers. That's why you are facing difficulties in running them. We are sending a letter to the ADG 1090 to request additional funds to operate them as originally targeted.
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