BARAMULLA: The shortage of public urinals in Baramulla town has emerged as a major civic concern, with residents, traders, students and commuters struggling to find basic sanitation facilities in the busy commercial centre.
Residents and traders allege that at least three public urinals that once served people at important locations have disappeared over the past three decades in the name of development, without adequate alternatives being provided.
Facilities near Karipa Park, Tang Adda, Government Girls Higher Secondary School and bus stand areas are among those cited by locals, who say the town has gradually lost essential public sanitation infrastructure.
The absence of public conveniences has reportedly forced people to use secluded corners, roadside walls and spaces behind utility installations, creating unhygienic conditions and foul smells in several parts of the town.
Traders complain that the situation affects their business environment and causes inconvenience to customers and pedestrians. The problem is particularly difficult for elderly people, patients, students and commuters travelling from rural areas who spend several hours in the town.
The lack of accessible public facilities also poses additional difficulties for women, children and persons with disabilities.
“A town cannot claim to be developing while people are left without such a basic facility. A person may come to the market for an hour or two, but what is he supposed to do when there is no public urinal nearby?” said a resident, Mohammad Yaqoob.
Ali Mohammad, a barbecue vendor, said foul smells from corners and spaces around utility installations affected shopkeepers, customers and pedestrians. He suggested that suitable locations be identified for constructing public urinals.
Residents said small, properly designed facilities with adequate screening, drainage, water supply and regular cleaning arrangements could address the problem without requiring large spaces or major infrastructure projects.
Nadeem Ahmad, a student, said suitable locations could be identified away from busy pedestrian areas, with covered structures and handwashing facilities provided for commuters, students and elderly people.
Locals have urged the Municipal Council Baramulla to conduct a survey of the town, identify areas facing the greatest shortage and establish hygienic public urinals near bus stands, markets, educational institutions and other busy locations.
They have also called for adequate lighting, water supply, privacy arrangements and a regular cleaning schedule to ensure that the facilities remain functional.
Some traders suggested appointing attendants to maintain cleanliness and exploring sustainable maintenance arrangements, including nominal user charges wherever permitted under municipal rules.
“The solution is not complicated. Build the facilities, appoint people to maintain them and ensure regular cleaning. Leaving people without any facility is not acceptable,” said trader Asif Ahmad.
Social activist Zahida said access to clean public urinals was a basic civic necessity for a town serving thousands of people daily.
Residents said the issue required attention not only from a sanitation perspective but also in terms of public health, dignity and the everyday needs of people visiting Baramulla for trade, education and transportation.
