State Women’s Commission urges GBA to expand and maintain public toilets in Bengaluru

Citing poor availability and maintenance of women’s public toilets, the State Women’s Commission has written to GBA Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao seeking urgent corrective action.

The State Women’s Commission has raised serious concerns over the shortage and poor condition of public toilets for women in Bengaluru, warning that the situation is negatively impacting women’s health. In this regard, the Commission has written a detailed letter to Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, urging immediate corrective measures.

In its communication, the Commission pointed out that the number of public toilets available for women across the city is far below what is required for a growing urban population. The lack of adequate facilities, it said, is forcing many women to avoid using toilets for long hours, which can lead to serious health complications.

The Commission also highlighted that even the existing public toilets meant for women are not being properly maintained. Poor cleanliness, lack of hygiene, and irregular upkeep have made several facilities unusable, exposing women to infections and other health problems.

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According to the Commission, improper maintenance and failure to follow basic sanitation standards are directly contributing to women falling ill. It stressed that clean and accessible public toilets are not just an infrastructure issue but a public health necessity.

The letter specifically calls for increasing the number of public toilets in proportion to the population and footfall in different areas of the city. It further urges the GBA to ensure that women-specific toilets are managed efficiently and kept clean at all times.

The Commission has asked the Chief Commissioner to issue clear and strict instructions to the concerned officials to take responsibility for regular maintenance, cleanliness, and monitoring of women’s public toilets. It has emphasised that without strong administrative direction, the problem is likely to persist.