Vidyaranyapura plagued by lack of public toilets

Sanjay R. Murty | NT

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) authorities have been working hard to make Namma Bengaluru a defecation-free city, as part of Swachch Bharath initiative, but there are not many public toilets or urinals to cater to the needs of people in the city.

For example, there is no public toilet on a 2.3-km stretch of Vidyaranyapura Main Road. Lack of toilets has become a hurdle for pedestrians and street vendors, especially senior citizens, who want to attend nature’s call. The authorities concerned failed to provide this facility even after this area came under BBMP’s jurisdiction more than 15 years ago.

The residents of the area demand the BBMP authorities to construct two or three public toilets. The residents complained that there is a public toilet at NTI ground, but it is always locked. Nagaraj and Satish Reddy told News Trail that they have been playing cricket at the ground for over 30 years. “I have never seen the toilet open. We feel very awkward when we have to relieve ourselves on a vacant site nearby,” said Nagaraj.

Vidyaranyapura bus stand or ‘last bus stop’ has a toilet complex used mostly by BMTC staff. Behind this, outside the bus stand premises, is a BBMP toilet. Though well-maintained, it is obscure and not traceable from the main road.

A member of Vidyaranyapura Senior Citizens’ Forum has suggested construction of public toilets near the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) sewage treatment plant (STP).

Krishnappa, a fruit vendor, has urged the BBMP to construct public toilets as early as possible. He said he has to either go home or go to the public toilet situated faraway.

A 79-year-old resident of Vidyaranyapura said, “As people age, they suffer from various health issues. A public toilet within this stretch is necessary, but it needs to be maintained well,” he said.