OVER 100 URINALS INTO DISREPAIR

OVER 100 URINALS INTO DISREPAIR

19-AUG-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The Ara Municipal Corporation constructed over 100 urinals across 24 public locations for the convenience of residents, particularly women. The Corporation even publicized this initiative as a significant achievement. However, many of these urinals never became operational, while others fell out of use shortly after opening. Currently, many of these facilities are piled high with filth.

Residents allege that despite spending public tax money, the urinals are not being maintained in a usable condition. This has caused resentment among the public and raised questions regarding the utility of these facilities.

According to residents, the urinals are not cleaned regularly. Filth accumulates at many locations, creating a persistent foul odor. Consequently, women and other citizens avoid using them. People argue that the Municipal Corporation’s failure to keep the urinals clean and functional—despite the substantial expenditure—reflects negligence.

Residents also point out that the Municipal Corporation has not assigned specific sanitation workers the responsibility of regularly cleaning these urinals. Due to the lack of an effective cleaning system, the urinals are gradually turning into garbage dumps.

Toilets and urinals had been constructed at various locations in Ara in the past as well, but they deteriorated shortly thereafter. Issues such as filth, structural damage, and foul odors rendered them unusable for the public. Every day, a large number of people arrive in the city for business, shopping, education (universities, schools, colleges, and coaching centers), healthcare, transport, legal matters, and various other official or private tasks. Many people also travel from rural areas to Ara for their work. Women face the greatest inconvenience due to the lack of adequate public facilities.

Under the Municipal Corporation's plan to construct "model urinals," provisions were made at each site for separate urinals for two women and three men, washbasins, morning and evening cleaning services, and submersible pumps to ensure a water supply. Approximately ₹5 lakh was spent on each urinal unit. However, residents state that many of the facilities promised under the scheme are currently unavailable.

The Municipal Corporation has constructed urinals at various locations, including Gagipul Crossing, near Syndicate, Katra Market, Fish Market, Banstal Turn, near Tamtam Padav Chowk, Amrapali Market, near the Court, Old Police Lines, opposite V-Mart, near the Maulabag Night Shelter, outside the Railway Government Bus Stand, near Sudha Dairy at Katira Turn, opposite the Red Cross, Mahavir Tola, Shahid Bhawan Turn, near the Women's College, near the Veterinary Hospital, near the Jail Gate, at the Valiganj Goat Market, and near the Dharhara Water Tank. Residents have demanded that regular cleaning, water supply, and proper maintenance of these urinals be ensured.