Women Public Toilet Opened
Women Residing In Sanjay Gandhi Nagar Finally Get A Functional Toilet
Women residents of Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, Naubat Pahad had a reason to celebrate on Tuesday as they finally gained their independence from shame and discomfort, securing their long-awaited right to relieve themselves in privacy.
This significant milestone marked a crucial step towards progress, decades after the country achieved freedom.
The arduous journey leading up to this moment was highlighted in a report by Deccan Chronicle on June 28, titled “Hyd not open defecation free: Scores of women have no toilet.”
The article shed light on the dire situation faced by the women in the area, who had been devoid of a functional public toilet for years.
Consequently, they were compelled to wait until darkness fell to perform their basic bodily functions out in the open, in full view of other residents.
It was a distressing reality that persisted for an unacceptable length of time, just a short distance away from the Assembly and the splendid new Secretariat.
In response to the report published in popular local daily Deccan Chronicle, the GHMC commissioner promptly issued a rejoinder denying its claims.
However, Deccan Chronicle stood resolute, steadfastly supporting the authenticity of its report. The matter took an unexpected turn on July 7 when the Telangana High Court, motivated by the report, initiated suo motu public interest litigation.
A two-judge PIL bench comprising Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji summoned the state government to respond to the allegations after Justice T. Vinod Kumar brought the matter to their attention.
Consequently, the officials involved took swift action to address the issue. Previously dormant toilets, which had been constructed in the area but remained locked due to the lack of connection to sewage lines, were now attended to.
ALSO, READ | Action Needed: Damamiguda Main Road Requires Immediate Repair to Ensure Road Safety
The GHMC took the pivotal step of opening these functional toilets to women, finally offering them a safe and private place to attend to their sanitary needs.
Pranavi Parambagullu, a resident who had recently completed her Masters in Business Management, expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, “Today is truly a day of celebration.
In just 15 days since the matter was published in Deccan Chronicle, we have witnessed remarkable progress. I extend my deepest appreciation to the High Court for acknowledging our plight. After many decades, the women of this colony will finally have access to a proper toilet.”
The transformation of the toilets was met with overwhelming relief and contentment. Vinoda, who had previously recounted the distressing circumstances faced by the women who were compelled to defecate in the open, was now beaming with happiness.
The issue had gained the attention and support of prominent political figures such as P. Chidambaram, Marri Shashidar Reddy, and Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, along with other notable personalities who championed the cause.
Metara Ratnaiah shared the positive developments, stating, “The toilets now have functioning lights, and water is being pumped into the tanks.
The authorities have assured us that a permanent water supply will be established soon through the installation of a pump.”
The formal inauguration of the toilets was attended by the local corporator, GHMC authorities, and grateful residents.
It marked a significant turning point, signifying progress, empathy, and a collective effort to address the urgent needs of the community.
This successful endeavor serves as a reminder that even in the face of persistent challenges, when individuals, media, and the judiciary unite for a just cause, transformative change becomes possible.
The plight of these women, which persisted for far too long, has now been alleviated, ensuring their dignity, comfort, and a renewed sense of empowerment.
