‘Had no choice but to urinate in a public place’: Karnataka woman writes to President Murmu on absence of toilets

“Later, when I ascended Seethalaiahyyanagiri, the sensation became even stronger. I desperately looked for a public toilet, but my efforts were fruitless. Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, I had no choice but to urinate in a public place, enduring the shame and disrespect,” the letter read

It added, “Every day, people engage in religious conflicts and debates. However, their negligence in building toilets is deeply unfortunate. When the need to relieve oneself arises, we forget our religious affiliations and attend to it. The toilet is a place used by people of all religions, regardless of their beliefs.”

“As a fellow woman, you can understand the struggles we face. Unfortunately, you are in a position of power and have people to serve you, shielding you from my problems. However, the lack of access to toilets has diminished the dignity of women like me. You can comprehend the pressure faced by an ordinary woman when it comes to attending to nature’s call.”

She further said, “Women understand the hardships experienced by other women. The absence of public toilets at a pilgrimage center visited by thousands of people is a violation of Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. We have achieved remarkable feats, even reaching Mars, but we have failed to build toilets at these significant pilgrimage centers.”

“India holds the title of being the diabetes capital of the world. Individuals suffering from diabetes heavily rely on public toilets. The people of Karnataka will never forget your efforts if you prioritize the establishment of toilet facilities in these locations,” she said in her letter.

Speaking to The Indian Express, she said, “There are commercial shops in these centres but the district administration has not built a public toilet. If it is an eco-friendly zone, then there should not be commercial establishments. There are big piles of plastic bottles as well. My only demand is to construct and maintain public toilets.”