Lack of public toilets irks shopkeepers

Patiala, June 10

Many shopkeepers, workers, labourers and visitors are inconvenienced due to lack of public toilets in the railway crossing No. 22 area and on Bhupindra Road in the city. Members of market committees have also submitted letters to officials concerned demanding more public toilets in the city.

Members of a welfare club in the city today said they submitted a memorandum at the Deputy Commissioner’s office addressed to the Member of Parliament demanding construction of public toilet in the area.

“There are no public toilets in the area. People have to find a proper place to ease themselves. Many end up relieving themselves in the open,” said Arvinder Kumar of New Patiala Welfare Club.

“Shopkeepers, employees and labourers are inconvenienced as there are no public toilets in the railway crossing No. 22 area and throughout Bhupindra Road,” he added.

“Earlier, we had contacted the office of the Municipal Corporation Commissioner after which the authorities decided to construct one toilet adjacent railway crossing. Later, the plan was dropped due to objections raised by residents of the area. But the matter is serious and we want officials to find a resolution to the problem,” he said.

When contacted, Municipal Corporation (MC) officials said the office was holding internal meetings and identifying new places for constructing toilets. “This also includes the railway crossing No. 22 area,” said officials. Lack of space affected plans of the MC, officials added. Objections raised by residents and other reasons also delayed corporation’s development works, said officials.

Municipal Joint Commissioner Lal Vishwas said, “Regular meetings are being held to discuss construction of more public toilets in the city. This is an initial stage. Also, we are identifying places across the city where toilets for residents and commuters can be constructed. Besides, the corporation is aiming for a water plus certification after it was awarded ODF++ (open defecation free ++) status in December.”— TNS