31-05-2025
Loo & behold! Haridwar's public toilets turn into storage spaces, living quarters
Haridwar: Public lavatories across Haridwar are being used as storage spaces and dwellings, while many others remain closed or dysfunctional, forcing people to defecate in the open.
As a major tourist hub, Haridwar welcomes thousands daily who struggle due to insufficient public toilets. This affects both visitors and residents.
One facility in the district headquarters is occupied by a vendor for storage, and another near the Jawalapur motorway serves as living quarters. Numerous others in the city and outskirts remain non-operational. Despite repeated complaints, officials have yet to take corrective action.
Social activist Adheer Kaushik told TOI, "Haridwar is a religious place, but public toilets in the city are not functioning properly. Some time ago, I caught liquor being stored in the public toilet at Bairagi Camp, used by smugglers to evade police. Many toilets are dysfunctional and have been shut down by agencies, forcing tourists and locals to defecate in the open. The poor condition extends beyond tourist areas to govt buildings as well.
We have submitted a written complaint to the district administration urging prompt action."
Open defecation is a serious concern in Haridwar, especially during the Kanwar mela and other festivals, when pilgrims must resort to using open spaces. The Haridwar Municipal Corporation says it has installed smart toilets in busy areas. District magistrate Karmendra Singh told TOI, "I have ordered officials to conduct a survey and take action. Encroachments on public toilets will be removed, and those responsible will be held accountable.
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