Shopian inhabitants decry lack of public washrooms

Shopian, Oct 10: For many residents and visitors, particularly women, visiting Shopian town is an uncomfortable experience — not due to safety concerns, but because of the absence of functional public washrooms.

From the bustling Bongam area to the old bus stand, there isn’t a single operational public toilet, forcing people to depend on government offices or even private homes to meet basic needs.

“Sometimes we go to nearby government offices to use the washroom,” said a shopkeeper near the old bus stand. “It’s embarrassing and inconvenient, but we have no choice.”

Women face the greatest difficulty. Nahida, a college student, recalled having to request a family living nearby for access to their washroom. “It was awkward and distressing,” she said.

Local activists said the issue has persisted for years despite repeated assurances from authorities. “If you’re a woman visiting Shopian, it can be a distressing experience,” said Mitha Gatoo, a social activist. “There’s been a long-pending demand for public washrooms, but little progress on the ground.”

Officials confirmed that the Shopian Municipal Committee had sanctioned the construction of ten public washrooms months ago. However, not a single facility has been completed.

Sources attributed the delay to an internal dispute between the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department and the Municipal Council Shopian over construction materials. “It took more than six months just to decide whether to use single- or double-colour tiles,” an official said, terming the delay unnecessary.

R&B Executive Engineer Salahudin denied any disagreement over materials, saying the delay was due to halted payments from municipal authorities.

Executive Officer, Municipal Council Shopian, Suhail Malik, said the work had now been expedited. “The executing agency has been asked to complete the washrooms within a month,” he said.